Gemini Trots In To Make Wendy’s Wish Come True

A resident at a Winchester dementia care home enjoyed the surprise of seeing a lifelong wish come true thanks to the efforts of a care companion.

Wendy Lunn, who lives at Colten Care’s St Catherines View, was among residents talking to Companionship team leader Laura Sheldrake about pets they wished they had when they were younger.

Wendy explained to the group that she had always wanted a horse of her own.

Unbeknown to Wendy, Laura then reached out to the community for help and a friend, Kayleigh Standen, offered to bring her daughter Indie’s horse Gemini along for a visit.

On the day, and with as much care and secrecy as possible, Gemini was slowly walked round to the back garden of the Stanmore Lane home out of sight from residents’ bedroom windows.

Wendy was then invited to step outside.

“The surprise of seeing Gemini up close, and the opportunity to stroke her and spend time with her, left Wendy overjoyed,” Laura explained. “She couldn’t stop looking and smiling at Gemini or keep her hands off. It was a really precious moment.”

Wendy was heard to say: “This is just lovely, she is so beautiful.”

After other residents gathered for the opportunity to meet and stroke Gemini too, 12-year-old Indie gave a talk about the horse and the shows she has performed in.

“Indie is brilliant,” Wendy told Laura after the visitors left. “She is so good with that horse. I wished I had my own horse when I was younger.”

Laura added: “It was a beautiful visit from a delightful animal who, at least for an afternoon, made Wendy’s lifelong wish come true.”