There wasn’t a dry eye in the house recently when the team at Sanctuary Care’s Abercorn House Care Home organised a beautiful event for a very special couple.
Resident Jim Shepherd and his beloved wife Joan celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary recently, followed by a renewal of their vows at a ceremony. The celebration was organised by the devoted staff at the not-for-profit care home in Hamilton, where Jim has lived for a year.
Inspired by their love story, activities coordinator Von Ryan Ong rallied the team into action to pull together a day to cherish.
There was elegant wedding décor and beautiful flowers, and the home’s chef prepared a delicious buffet, followed by speeches, a wedding cake and favours.
Surrounded by family, friends, the home’s team and residents, the event took place at St Anne’s Hall in Hamilton.
The couple’s daughter Andrea, who proudly watched the ceremony with her brother John said: “We all had such a fantastic day and will cherish forever the memories we made as mum and dad renewed their wedding vows.
“The staff went above and beyond to make sure dad looked his best – some staff even coming in on their day off to help get him ready. Mum had her hair and nails done and looked a million dollars in her outfit.
“John and I got to watch our mum and dad renew the commitment they made to each other 56 years ago and I can confirm there was not a dry eye in the hall!”
Joan added: “Thank you to all of the Abercorn staff for arranging our wedding vow renewal and to those that helped to get Jim ready for our big day. To be able to celebrate this with our family, friends, Abercorn staff and residents was absolutely amazing.”
The team at Abercorn were touched by the sense of community, with local businesses and organisations donating so many items to make the day extra special, from the bouquet and wedding cake, to the gazebo and the photography service – even the use of the hall.
Von said: “We were very proud to organise such a magical celebration for Jim and Joan, which highlighted the beauty of community, care, and togetherness. It was a magical day and a testament to love that stands the test of time.”
Sanctuary Care has been delivering trusted care to older people for over 25 years. For more information, visit: www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/enriching-lives
