Local Care Home Makes Motorbike Ride Dream Come True

Staff at Paternoster House Care Home in Waltham Abbey made a dream come true for resident Michael Phipps, who is paralysed from the waist down, after he told them he wanted to ride on a motorbike for the first time in 24 years.

When Michael, 54, who has been a resident of Paternoster House Care Home for the last eight years following an accident which left him paralysed placed his wish on the homes’ Wishing Tree he never thought it possible.

Shane Yerrell, Activities Co-ordinator at Paternoster House Care Home and Waltham Abbey Town Mayor, said: “When we asked Michael what his dream was, he said the one thing he would like to do would be to ride a motorbike. So we got in contact with local biker; Shelly Stubbs and she made sure that it happened.”

On Sunday 2nd June, Michael saw his dream come true when he was taken for a ride around the town as pillion passenger on a Honda CB1300S ridden by Shelley Stubbs. He was escorted by other members of the Crooked Rook Motorcycle Club for a ride through Waltham Abbey, and in front of the Abbey Church, before returning to Paternoster House.

Staff used a hoist to lift Michael onto the back of the bike before he waved to onlookers and set off for his memorable 15-minute ride. Michael said; “It’s been about 24 years since I was last on a motorbike and today is going to be a very good experience for me and I’m going to enjoy it.”

General Manager; Corina Popescu said,
“We can’t thank Shelley and her fellow riders enough, without you guys, and the determination of our activities and care team here at Paternoster House to find way, none of this would ever have been possible. You have made two people very happy… Dreams really can come true!

On his return Michael said: “I found it thoroughly enjoying and exciting. I just enjoyed the ride. It’s a dream come true. I really enjoyed it and I’d love to go again!”