A DEMENTIA patient has had his Christmas wishes answered after his carers surprised him with his first ever trip abroad.

Plane-loving Paul Rudd, who has Down's Syndrome, as diagnosed with dementia in 2020.

The 63-year-old is looked after by Cera Care Colchester and had been assisted by live-in carer Rodney Horlock for the past 14 years. 

As part of Rodney's around-the-clock care, Paul takes on his favourite activity each day; plane-watching with binoculars.

To grant him a festive wish Rodney decided to make his Christmas dreams come true by treating him to his first trip abroad.

Gazette:

Paul has always hoped to travel by plane, and this month, Rodney is making those dreams a reality.

The pair are currently in Brussels for four nights, returning on Friday.

They took a British Airways flight from London Heathrow and shared their journey in a series of pictures.

The airline treated Paul and Rodney with complimentary lounge access at the airport and the chance to meet the pilots of the Airbus A319 - making his first plane journey extra magical.

Gazette:

Paul and Rodney will visit Brussels' renowned Christmas markets and Winter Wonderland.

They will have a chance to explore the area, try local foods, and indulge in Paul's favourite refreshing glass of shandy.

Paul has been in the care system since childhood, transferring to his current adult care provider in July 2008.

Without any living family to support him, the team at Cera Care Colchester ensure Paul has a stable life. 

Lucy Kruyer, branch manager at Cera Care Colchester, said: "We are thrilled to be able to offer Paul the chance to go on this dream flight to Brussels.

"It has been a privilege to watch the bond between Rod and Paul grow over the years, and we are so grateful to have dedicated, hardworking carers like Rod on our team, delivering best-in-class care that goes above and beyond.

"All of us at Cera Care Colchester are looking forward to hearing about their holiday and couldn't be more excited for them both."