A 90-year-old care home resident stepped out to enjoy the ‘hard to believe’ thrill of joining a community pride parade waved on by thousands of well-wishers.
Patrick Haddingham, who lives at Colten Care’s Avon Cliff in Bournemouth, donned his finest jacket and took to the streets for the annual Bourne Free celebration.
It was the second year in a row that Patrick has joined in the parade with support from care companions.
He said he was ‘pleased as punch’ to take part once again and, on his return to Avon Cliff, expressed his gratitude to carers, saying: “Thank you for making this possible for me again. It’s hard to believe that I can do this at my age, and I look forward to doing it again and again.”
Companionship Team Leader Elise Woolnough said: “We took part in Bourne Free for the first time last year at Patrick’s request. He has attended many Pride events in his life.
“Our appearance was such a hit with residents and other people attending the event, we and Patrick were keen to make sure it becomes an annual outing for us.
“Patrick turned 90 earlier in the year and what a way to start this milestone age by stepping out onto the streets of Bournemouth in his best jacket ready to celebrate this joyful and important event.
“We were keen to make an even bigger impact this year so collected more rainbow accessories and even our minibus had a makeover with Pride-themed stickers and eyelashes on the headlights.
“We are already planning our appearance for next year and look forward to taking part for many years to come.”
Dawn Street, another Avon Cliff resident who was in the parade, said: “I was looking forward to this since the moment it finished last year. The atmosphere is amazing and it is wonderful when people wave at you and cheer you on.”
The annual Bourne Free parade was established by members of the LGBTQ+ community in 2004 to celebrate and promote equality and diversity in Bournemouth.
