A MAN with a terminal illness has been “overwhelmed with kindness” after having some of his bucket list dreams come true.

Roger Pearce was asked to draw up a list of activities to enjoy in the final months of his life.

The 78-year-old decided he would like to get close to nature, conduct an orchestra and be entertained by an Elvis impersonator.

He also said he would like to fly in a helicopter and now some of those dreams have become a reality thanks to Colchester care provider ECL.

ECL Marylands manager Sherry Mills came up with the idea for a bucket list and worked alongside key worker Tony Brooke.

Mr Pearce, who has terminal cancer, had a special visit from Brenda O’Sullivan, who closed her Twilight Encounters business due to the pandemic but agreed to do a special, one-off owl experience and took along tawny owl Phoenix, eagle owl Worzel and barn owl Twilight.

Mr Pearce’s next wish was to conduct an orchestra and the Essex Symphony Orchestra recorded a special one-off recital for him to conduct from the comfort of his Colchester home.

An Elvis act was another request and impersonator and tribute act Delvis Elvis sent a collection of memorabilia, including an Elvis book, DVDs and real footage of Elvis, which was shared with Mr Pearce’s daughter, Lisa.

“The wonderful team at ECL came up with the idea for the bucket list and I thought it was such a good idea because I’m doing some of the things I would never have dreamt of doing,” said Mr Pearce, who worked as a taxi driver and warehousing assistant manager before retiring.

Making dreams come true - Roger Pearce (centre) with Phoenix the tawny owl, team leader Katie Craig (left) and Tony Brooke, key worker at ECL Picture: WARREN PAGE

Making dreams come true - Roger Pearce (centre) with Phoenix the tawny owl, team leader Katie Craig (left) and Tony Brooke, key worker at ECL Picture: WARREN PAGE

“I’m overwhelmed with the kindness.

“Everyone at ECL has been incredible throughout the pandemic.

“If I get into difficulty or something is worrying me, I can talk it over with any of the staff and get it sorted and now they’re fulfilling my dreams for the things I always wanted to do.

“Conducting the orchestra will be my favourite.”

Mr Pearce, who was also a St John Ambulance volunteer for 16 years, was feeling lonely three years ago after a series of deaths in his family including his wife, mother and son.

He has been a regular at ECL’s Marylands day service ever since and enjoys the fun and companionship there, as well as the care and attention from the ECL team.

Mr Pearce also requested lunch with his heart-throb, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood.

Although this was not possible, she sent a signed photo and personal letter.

ECL also arranged a three course candlelit meal with a lifesize cardboard cut out of the presenter.

The final bucket list activity is to fly in a helicopter, which is planned for April 12 from Earls Colne Airfield.

Ms Mills said: “Roger is sociable and at the forefront of organising card games sessions.

“He’s been the life and soul here and when we found out about his terminal diagnosis, we wanted to be part of his final days so suggested the bucket list.”

Key worker Mr Brooke added: “It’s been really humbling to help make this a reality for Roger.

“As a key worker, my job is to support our customers and help them enjoy what they’re doing and it’s a privilege to do this for Roger.”

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