'Cracking’ start to the year as Client fulfils lifelong dream at opening night of Dancing on Ice thanks to Tin Full of Wishes campaign

Former primary school teacher and Right at Home Client, Alison Lloyd, 49, was given a star-filled surprise after the care team at Right at Home Borehamwood and Watford nominated her to live out her dream of watching Dancing on Ice, at the live recording of the opening show of the series.

The wish was granted as part of Right at Home’s ‘tin-full of wishes’ campaign, which encourages CareGivers to nominate homecare Clients to have a once in a lifetime experience granted, following a difficult two years that has seen many forced to shield from family and friends for extended periods.

Alison experienced a stroke at the age of 46 and receives two care calls a day from her committed Right at Home CareGivers, who have helped her to continue to live in her own home, despite Doctors’ warnings that she may lose her independence. She was nominated for her kindness, bravery and love of life, as the care team have witnessed her inspiring resilience to the life-changing physical disabilities caused by her stroke.

Alison is a keen figure skating enthusiast, having skated during her time in Edinburgh, before studying to become a primary-school teacher – a job she cherished until her stroke in 2015.

Commenting on the once in a life-time experience, Alison said: “I’m not usually out in the evening so this was amazing – far better than anything I could imagine. Watching all the skaters live and seeing their amazing costumes sparkle under the lights was beautiful and to top it off, Philip Schofield came to speak to us and ask how we were enjoying the show!

“I felt like royalty for the night. Now that I’ve seen it in person, it will mean a lot more to watch the show on TV and remember an incredible evening each time. My wish came true and I am grateful to everyone who made it happen.”

A whole community of people came together to make Alison’s dream come true, with ITV donating the free tickets and ensuring Alison and her friend, Michele, would be treated to a show-stopping performance from a specially equipped vantage point which could accommodate Alison’s wheelchair.

Another CareGiver, Jordan Lewis volunteered to drive a local bus donated by Barbara Bus Fund. They are a Watford-based charity enabling wheelchair users to travel. Jordan drove Alison to the studio, where she was treated like a VIP from the moment she entered the waiting room.

Jenny Madghachian, Owner of Right at Home Borehamwood and Watford said: “The entire community worked to make Alison’s wish happen – a key factor of this campaign and something very akin to the family-feel culture we harness here at Right at Home. We are all very proud to be part of such a rewarding campaign.

“Alison is an incredible lady and one of the many inspiring people we support. It’s her strength, humility and gratitude which give her the resilience to simply love and enjoy life and we’re delighted we could make her wish come through.”

Alison’s wish is the first to be granted as part of Right at Home’s 10-Year Anniversary campaign – nicknamed a ‘tin-full of wishes’ for the traditional anniversary gift – to celebrate a decade of making a difference to their Clients’ lives by awarding 10 wishes to 10 lucky Clients in 2022.

The team at Right at Home hope that the campaign will also help to encourage even more newcomers to take up a new career in the social care sector, as they see what a rewarding career it can be, making a difference to the lives of people in their local community every day.

Right at Home have recently released a Careers in Care brochure, which details the different roles and progression routes available in the network, alongside a Careers in Care quiz, which matches candidates to their perfect role, based on skills, interests and personality traits.