AN elderly care home resident whose feet have always been firmly on the ground took to the skies for the first time in what was a “heart-warming” moment of “magic”.

Bernie Drysdale, 74, has lived at Crouched Friars Residential Home, in Crouch Street, Colchester, for seven years and is looked after by dedicated staff members.

After speaking of a desire to travel in an aeroplane home employees enlisted the help of charity My Home Life Essex and the Friends and Neighbours Network initiative.

Having pulled a few strings and called in a few favours before long they were able to make Bernie’s dream a reality when on Sunday she finally became airborne.

Taking off from the Earls Colne Airfield, Bernie was propelled skywards in a small white plane which glided through the air as she marvelled at the world below.

Gazette: Team - Bernie Drysdale, 74, with staff from Crouched Friars before her flight Team - Bernie Drysdale, 74, with staff from Crouched Friars before her flight (Image: Crouched Friars)

After touching down safely, Bernie gushed about the “magic” experience and said she was over the moon to have done something she had always wanted to do.

Paulina Eagle, who is the manager at Crouched Friars, said she will always aim to fulfil the wishes of residents and was thrilled to help Bernie’s become a reality.

She said: “It’s such a heart-warming feeling to grant a wish so special to someone. It was her dream for many years, and we know she absolutely loved it.

“It was a privilege to share the experience with her. I hope we can grant more wishes for people to make them feel special.”

Paulina, the home’s boss for nearly four years, made the effort to ensure Bernie’s wish was granted in celebration of Dignity Action Day 2023.

She is now working on delivering more wishes for other residents at Crouched Friars including visits to the zoo, train rides and bus rides.

Christina Shields, from the FaNs charity, said: “The FaNs Wishing Washing Line is one of our wonderful concepts where residents' wishes are granted by the community.

"Crouched Friars reached out to us at the beginning of February hoping to grant a wish for one of their residents who had never been in a plane before but had always wanted to fly. 

"Within a few days Martin Hasting got in touch and made an initially tricky wish so accessible. Being able to grant wishes and bring joy has physical and mental health benefits to our most precious generation. 

"Thank you to Martin Hastings, Earls Colne Air Field and everyone that came along on the day.  Biggest thanks go to Bernie for having an excellent wish."