A grandfather’s birthday wish came true when staff at his Hampshire dementia care home arranged for him to go on a much-wanted road trip in a VW campervan.
John Sulzmann celebrated his 75th birthday in the fresh air of the New Forest after journeying from Colten Care’s Winchester home St Catherines View.
Along with fellow passengers – his wife Veronica and the home’s Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake – John was able to sit back and enjoy the ride to and from Whitefield Moor near Brockenhurst.
Once there, he took in the countryside views and, with the side door open, had a picnic with Veronica as they sat together.
He also took a short stroll through the heathland at a respectful distance from the New Forest donkeys.
Laura decided to organise the day for him when Veronica explained it was a long-held dream of the couple to enjoy a campervan experience, but they had never got round to making it happen before.
Laura contacted Southampton-based vehicle hire firm Hi-Profile Limousines, who have a campervan available for use as one of their vehicle options for weddings.
Driver Garry Greenwood from the firm acted as chauffeur for the trip.
“It was a wonderful day,” said Veronica. “We always wanted to own a VW campervan and go travelling. Unfortunately, we were unable to do this, so it was very special to be able to have this lovely trip together to celebrate John’s 75th. A huge thank-you goes to Laura and to Hi-Profile Limousines. Garry, our driver, was brilliant and very friendly.”
Born in south London, John moved to Winchester in 1974 and worked for Hampshire County Council for 34 years as a senior town planner.
As well as the campervan trip, he welcomed his two children and two grandchildren for a celebratory birthday tea party at St Catherines View.
Laura said: “It was a pleasure and privilege to enable John and Veronica to go on the road and enjoy the VW campervan experience they have always wanted.”
John Blandford, owner of Hi-Profile Limousines, said: “We were only too happy to help this gentleman after we heard he really wanted to go out in the campervan.”
