John’s wish
John took to the skies in a dual-controlled Piper Warrior for a 30-minute flight.
June’s Wish
At our care homes, we believe no dream is too small, and no wish too big. From gentle moments of nostalgia to exhilarating adventures, we’re proud to help make residents’ wishes come true.
Braemar Lodge resident, June, had a ‘grand prix’ wish come true when she drove a racing car round several laps of the UK’s fastest racetrack, Thruxton Circuit.
Resident Wish: June puts the pedal to the metal
Motor sport enthusiast June held a lifelong desire to take the wheel of a competitive car.
When June shared her wish with carers at our Salisbury care home, Braemar Lodge, we contacted the team at Thruxton Circuit near Andover who laid on a special driving experience for her.
After a safety briefing, June had her first taste of the track by completing five laps in a silver Porsche Cayman accompanied by an instructor.
She was then fitted with a helmet and guided into the driving position of a bright orange single-seat Sports 2000 racing car.
June did a pair of laps, touching 80 mph!
She made sure to wave to onlookers including Braemar Lodge Companionship Team member Kelly Bartlett and Colten Care minibus driver Nick Meyers, who had brought her to the circuit.
Kelly said: “As she waved to us at the end of the second lap, she missed the direction to go back into the pits, so ended up doing an extra lap! I don’t know if she meant to or not, she was just having so much fun.”
“I can’t believe this experience has actually happened. It’s amazing that it went from a conversation with a carer to the fact I got to do the racing.” – June Swindell, Resident at Braemar Lodge
After her solo stint, June accepted an invite to be the passenger in an even faster car.
The two-seat Ford Focus ST sports car was driven by one of the Thruxton team. The pair reached speeds of up to 100 mph going into corners and more than 130 mph on the straight.
“I absolutely loved it,” June said. “I’m so grateful and I’d love to do it all again.”
“June was just lovely,” said Thruxton Sales Administrator Carol Johnson. “You could see she was having a ball. We all enjoyed having her here. She is a lady with a true zest for life.”
More Wish Stories
At our care homes, we believe no dream is too small, and no wish too big. From gentle moments of nostalgia to exhilarating adventures, we’re proud to help make residents’ wishes come true.
