Residents from a care home in Stansted have ticked items off their bucket-list after getting inked-up and pierced for the first time.
After Enid Needham and Sian Watkins shared their two long-held wishes with the team at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, they set off on a trip to Chapel Hill Studio.
Enid had her ears pierced for the first time – something she had always wanted to do but had never got around to.
Speaking about her bucket-list experience, the 88-year-old said: “It made me feel a little bit nervous, but as soon as I got there, I had nothing to worry about.
"The girl was brilliant, so understanding. I've felt great and superb ever since!
“It’s something ticked off my bucket list for sure. I have wanted my ears pierced for years but kept putting it off due to losing courage.
"With the help of Alex and Sharon from the Mountfitchet House team, I got there – and now I'm really pleased.
"I cannot wait to get some more earrings and show them off.”
Fellow care home resident, Sian decided to get her very first tattoo.
The chosen design holds special meaning, featuring a tiger to represent strength and power alongside a daffodil – a nod to her Welsh roots – and a marigold to mark her birth month of October.
The 60-year-old said: "It was interesting, the team at the shop were really patient, and so lovely to us.
"Getting my first tattoo was exciting, I didn't even flinch!
"The tiger shows I'm strong and the daffodil shows my Welsh side.”
The residents were accompanied by team members during the visit, who supported them throughout.
The pair's experience was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or activities linked to past careers.
The scheme aims to encourage residents to lead fulfilling lives.
Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “It was fantastic to support Enid and Sian in achieving their wishes.
"It’s not every day we organise a trip for piercings and tattoos, but that’s exactly what makes a day like this so special!
“Seeing Enid and Sian take the plunge and try something new was brilliant.
"The Wishing Tree initiative is all about helping residents to keep expressing themselves and do things they’ve always talked about, and we’re delighted to have been a part of their special day.”
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