Bryn Haven Siblings Mark National Sibling Day
Friday 10th April is National Sibling Day and sisters Eileen and Julia O’Connor will be celebrating their close relationship and enjoying spending time together. Both Eileen and Julia live at Borough Care’s Bryn Haven home for older people in Brinnington, Stockport.
Eileen, 93. and Julia, 89, hail from Ireland and grew up together in a large family of five boys and four girls. All the siblings were very close but Eileen and Julia became particularly close, as they shared a love for ballroom dancing and would take every opportunity to head to the dance halls together. Julia was a talented seamstress and used to make her and Eileen’s ballroom dresses from scratch.
In 1946, Eileen and Julia decided to move from Ireland to the UK. Eileen worked as a housekeeper for a husband and wife doctor team, while Julia was a housekeeper for a clergyman. Following retirement in 1992, Eileen and Julia decided to buy a house together, having remained close throughout their lives and wanting to spend more time with each other. The ladies lived happily together in their own home until 2018, with Eileen caring for Julia following a dementia diagnosis. Following a fall at home, Eileen was hospitalised and Julia moved to Borough Care’s Bryn Haven, as Eileen was unable to look after her. On leaving hospital, Eileen moved to Bryn Haven too, as she didn’t want to be parted from Julia.
Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, says: “The incredible life-long bond Eileen and Julia have enjoyed throughout their lives is amazing. It’s great that they can continue to enjoy each
other’s company and remain just as close while living with us at Borough Care. We encourage all our residents to continue to live colourful lives and it’s great that during their time living at Bryn Haven Julia and Eileen have enjoyed the entertainment we regularly put on.”
