Classic Ford Cortina Visits St Barnabas Hospice

It’s the little things that make hospice care so special

Published on: 15/02/2022

On Friday 11 February, St Barnabas House hospice had a special visit from a 1982 Ford Cortina. The visit was arranged after a patient on the hospice’s In-Patient Unit told the Care Team that he adores classic cars.

“It’s the little things that make hospice care so special,” says Claudia Pearce at St Barnabas House. “Our fantastic Care Team work tirelessly every day to ensure that patients and their families receive the best possible care and are able to make precious memories. As soon as we found out that this patient loved classic cars, we knew that we had to do all we could to arrange a visit.

 “I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Jim for taking the time to visit the hospice today. Hospice care is only possible thanks to community support and something like this makes a big difference.”

Jim Aldridge, the proud owner of the Ford Cortina, said: “Our Facebook group “Mk4 & Mk5 Cortina Fanatics” had a request for a Ford Cortina owner to attend St Barnabas House as a patient wanted to see a Cortina. I sent some pictures to Claudia at the Hospice and asked for her to let me know which car they would like to see. I was advised a gold 1982 Cortina Ghia had been chosen and so on Friday I set out to the hospice. I was greeted when I arrived by Claudia and the sun was shining which made the gold Cortina sparkle!

 “A short while later, the patient came out with staff and I was deeply hoping that he would like the car. I didn’t need to worry and within minutes we were talking about the engines, gear boxes and modifications I did back in the 80s and 90s. The patient certainly knew the cars well and it was great to speak to someone who shared the same love of the old Ford Cortina!

 “Thank you, St Barnabas House, for allowing me to be the one that made the patient’s wish a reality.”