BBC Make a Difference Awards: A day in the life of therapy horse
Bringing back memories for Malcolm
First Mr Kelloggs visits married couple Malcolm and Beryl, and Malcolm is very keen to feed him some biscuits. His owner Megan Gledhill politely explains that is not allowed. Then Malcolm comes out with a revelation: "My dad used to show horses, all through the summer."He went from Bournemouth, to Harrogate, Leeds, Manchester city ground, he trained them." The care home staff said they never knew this about him. "It's amazing, the joy it brings to them," says Alison Williams, who is responsible for wellbeing at the home and organised the visit. "It brings back so many memories of when they had their own pets, and we've heard stories today that we've never heard before, about people that kept horses, and we never knew that about them," she adds.
Kisses for Eileen
Next it is the turn of Eileen and Ray. "Come here baby, give us a kiss," says Eileen. Obediently, Mr Kelloggs edges closer and lifts his nose to Eileen's face for a kiss. Eileen is delighted: "That's it Ray, you're dumped now", the staff joke.It is a wrench for Eileen when it it time for Mr Kelloggs to leave, but another visit is promised. The tour continues into the rooms of Lesley and Mary. "What's his name?" Mary asks, but she is not impressed with the reply."No, that's not a nice name for a beautiful darling like you," she tells him. Megan explains that Mr Kelloggs got his name because he was born in Wales close to the site of one of the factories of the cereal manufacturer.
Lesley's face lights up when Mr Kelloggs enters her room. It brings back memories of a time she rode a horse.It is clear to see the impact he has on the residents, and it is the reason why he won a BBC Make a Difference award. Megan's mum Sharon Gledhill, who helps her to run Linking Hearts Therapy Horses, says it is a privilege to do what they do. "A lot of people, especially the people that are bedbound, they're not going to get a chance to go out into the forest and see a horse and be so close to a horse," she says. After touring the rooms, it is time to visit other residents in the lounge. Mr Kelloggs spends at least half an hour in there, meeting everyone individually. As he approaches each person, he is greeted with a big smile. "It's the sensory experience, they get to hug and kiss him and stroke him," says Sharon. "It just brightens them up and puts a spark in their day again."
How to nominate
The Make a Difference Awards recognise and celebrate people, across eight different categories, who are going above and beyond to make a difference where they live.Every BBC Local Radio station will host an awards ceremony in 2025.The awards are a chance to say thank you and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.Nominations can be made via the BBC Make a Difference website where you can also see full terms and the privacy notice.Nominations close on the 31st March 2025 at 17:00.
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