Stafford Hall Care Home, part of Runwood Homes Group, is delighted to share the heart-warming story of resident Ron Jackson, who recently fulfilled a lifelong dream thanks to the support of Catherine Ranson LLM, Dementia Champion.
On 26 November 2025, Catherine accompanied Ron on a memorable trip to the Tower of London, a visit he had long wished to experience. Reflecting on the day, Ron said “it was something I always wanted to do, and I’ve had such an amazing day — I’ll never forget it!”
The pair travelled by train to Fenchurch Street, where railway staff went above and beyond to support Ron, helping with ramps and providing a discounted ticket and accessibility route. Despite the cobbled grounds and historic layout, Ron remained determined to explore every area possible.
Their first stop was the Crown Jewels, where Ron was captivated by the stunning display guarded by the King’s Guard and Yeoman Warders. The next was the iconic White Tower, requiring Ron to climb three flights of stairs, a feat he approached with courage and patience. Along the way, he encountered the Tower’s resident ravens, including Poppy and Edgar, and paused at the historic site linked to the Princes in the Tower.
Upon reaching the Armoury floor, Ron was thrilled to see the armour and weaponry of monarchs including Henry VIII, describing the moment as well worth the effort. Catherine kept Ron warm throughout the winter chill with regular hot water bottle refills, ensuring he was comfortable at every stage.
After enjoying lunch with views of the ancient fortress and several restorative coffees, they ended the day with a walk across Tower Bridge, admiring the Thames and London’s evening lights before heading home for a well-earned supper.
Catherine said the outing was important because Ron had expressed a deep wish to visit the Tower:
“It’s so important to help people live out a wish if it’s at all possible, and Ron had always wanted to do this.”
She added that she had shared her own experiences of visiting the Tower, which inspired Ron to pursue the idea and set the plan in motion.
Reflecting on the atmosphere, Ron said:
“I feel like I’ve been treated like a king — from the train staff who fetched ramps for us, to the lovely people at the Tower who helped us and gave us private tours. And with Catherine helping me around, I felt really special.”
The standout moment of the day was seeing Ron’s face light up at the sight of the Crown Jewels, marking a treasured memory for everyone involved.
Stafford Hall Care Home is proud to support meaningful experiences that bring joy and fulfil lifelong dreams for its residents.
