Carol's roller coaster of a day

At MHA, our Seize the Day initiative encourages residents to take on something they’ve always wanted to do. So when Carol Parkinson of Belvedere Manor in Lancashire said she wanted to go on The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, staff were straight on it.

Carol has early onset dementia and wanted to ride the roller coaster, famous for its 205 foot drop, while she could. So the home’s Leisure Manager Tony Grundy arranged for Carol to fulfil her dream.

Her doctor and family both gave the go-ahead, and Carol and Tony took the front seats to go on the ride.

Tony said, “We want residents live life to the full, and we will champion and support any wish our residents want to do.”

Carol has a history of thrillseeking – she was one of the first to ride the Revolution roller coaster when it first came to Blackpool in 1979.

Thanks to our Seize the Day initiative, residents have fulfilled dreams including a day at the Silverstone races, a helicopter trip and a visit from the captain of Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Pictured at the front of the roller coaster is Carol with Tony.