A North East care home pulled out all the stops to help a resident be a part of their son’s wedding day from afar.
Alan Hansell was going to miss his son Jamie’s special day earlier this month as he was unable to attend the church service to protect him from the risk of exposure to Covid-19.
As only 30 guests could be in the church the ceremony was streamed on Zoom, which Alan’s care home, Kenton Manor in Newcastle, screened on a big screen in the lounge so he could see the happy couple tie the knot.
A safe, socially distanced mini wedding reception was also arranged for him to celebrate the nuptials with his fellow residents.
The care home staff decorated the lounge and residents got dressed up for the occasion. They tucked into a special wedding buffet, raised a toast to the newlyweds and enjoyed an outdoor performance from local singer Kayley Cares who is a favourite of Alan’s.
Residents also signed a card for the bride and groom, who with help from the home were able to visit their dad in the garden area after their ceremony at Gosforth Parish Church of St Nicholas, for some socially distanced photographs to add to their wedding album.
Steve Massey, operations manager at Solehawk which operates the care home, said: “Our residents have really missed their loved ones over the last few months, and we’ve done everything we can to keep them safe, well looked after and lift their spirits. When we heard Alan’s son’s wedding would be live streamed, we wanted to make a really special occasion of it so he could safely celebrate. Everyone had a great day. Congratulations to the happy couple.”