Resident Freda turns 100 years old with special video message

Freda Campbell, a long-standing resident at The Croft care home in Amersham, turns 100 on Thursday 1^st October 2020, and has been surprised with a tear-jerking and particularly special video featuring her family members.

The video features beautiful black and white photographs of Freda as a little girl growing up and getting married, and heart-felt messages from three generations of her family.

One of Freda’s granddaughters fondly says: “Happy 100^th birthday, Nana. What an amazing milestone to reach. It’s a real tribute to one of the strongest, most hopeful, most vibrant women that I know. It’s a real privilege to be your granddaughter.”

Alongside the video, the Ambient team at The Croft have organised a special ‘Buckingham Palace’ birthday drive-by where Freda will get to see her family in person from a safe and monitored distance. They are also planning a private screening of the video along with birthday cake and games in a specially decorated lounge. Freda will wear a tiara and be ‘Queen for the day’.

Sarah Hill, Deputy Manager at The Croft who led the video project says: “Freda is an incredibly special and much-loved lady and we really wanted to her to have the 100^th birthday she deserves. In these restricting times, we needed to find a creative way to help Freda and her family celebrate, whilst staying safe. The final edit is brilliant- we can’t wait to see Freda’s face when we play it, I’m sure we’ll all be reaching for the tissues when we watch it together on her big day!”  

Louise Foyle-York, Manager at The Croft says: “Freda is a wonderful member of our Ambient home here at The Croft and we wanted to show her just how much she means, not just to her family, but to all of us here too. Sarah’s specialised skills and her communication with the family have enabled the event to be exceptionally special and unforgettable. The entire team’s commitment really shines through.”

On reaching 100, Freda says: “It’s wonderful to get to 100 years, everyone has been so kind and I am thankful that I have been able to reach this age”.

Tom Harrison, Director of Operations at Ambient, said: “Despite challenges and ever-changing guidelines, our staff keep those that they support safe, and engaged. Freda’s video is a prime example of our staff living by ‘The Ambient Way’, personalising support and being exceptional in what they would simply call their ‘day to day’.”

1^st October 2020 also happens to be the 30^th Anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. In 2020, the day will highlight the role of the health care workforce, with a primary focus on the role of women, in contributing to the health of older persons.

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