Leicester Care Home Resident’s Visit to National Arboretum is a Dream Come True

Staff at a care home in Leicester have helped to make a resident’s dream come true.

Brian Goulding, 93, who lives at RMBI Care Co. Home Devonshire Court, in Oadby, dreamed of going to the National Memorial Arboretum, a 150-acres site of national remembrance and home to more than 400 memorials, in Staffordshire.

Brian spent a significant part of his life serving his country after completing his training with the Essex Regiment in 1951, including 22 years in the Royal Army Pay Corps (RAPC), the corps of the British Army responsible for administering financial matters.

During his visit, Brian, care home staff and volunteers were able to find the names of two of his friends who died during the war, which was a special moment for him.

“Finding his friend’s names amongst the many memorials made the day particularly poignant,” says Claire Barrett, Business Relationship Manager at Devonshire Court.

“It was a deeply personal journey through some of the most important memories of Brian’s life. It gave him the opportunity to pause and remember those he had served alongside,” added Claire.

Brian described the visit as a “great day” filled with memories, reflection and moments that he will treasure.