Weldmar Hospicecare Day Services patients become ‘Easy Riders’ with Harley Davidson Chapter visit
Patients at Weldmar Hospicecare’s Day Services in Dorchester were treated to a visit by Harley Davison riders today – and even had the chance to go for a spin!
Six members of the Hogsback Chapter, based in Surrey and Sussex, rode all the way to Dorset to provide the treat for both patients and staff.
The riders took their passengers from Weldmar’s in-patient unit in Dorchester, down the A354 to the Jurassic Roundabout, and back again.
Jenny Wood, Day Services Lead, said, “It’s a huge thing for our patients. People who initially said that they couldn’t do it have been helped onto the back of a Harley, realised they can do it, and it’s brilliant seeing people’s faces light up. They’re really excited to be able to tell their significant others and family and friends. We’ve got one lady who has gone out today, she’s on oxygen, and can’t wait to tell her daughter because her daughter would never believe it. Some have been on bikes before but written off ever being able to do that again, so it’s fantastic.”
Ken Hall from the Hogsback Chapter, previously the Surrey Chapter, said it’s been going for twenty five years. Having visited their own local hospice to do something similar on a number of occasions, they learnt about the work of Weldmar Hospicecare and decided to come all the way to Dorset. “They get to ride on the back of a Harley Davidson. That’s the best thing. They turn petrol into smiles!”.
Day Services visitor Elaine Stockley said, “It was beautiful! Really thrilling, and fast. The sound of the bikes was lovely”.
Weldmar Hospicecare offers Day Services in Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport, Blandford, and Shaftesbury. The service is for people approaching the end of their life, and offers stimulating activities, creative arts, word games, therapies, and more.
