Wakefield nursing home helps resident fulfil his dream of attending son’s wedding
There wasn’t a dry eye at Castleford Lodge Nursing Home in Wakefield last weekend, as much-loved resident Piet Dixon, aged 75, fulfilled his greatest wish - attending his son’s wedding.
Piet, a former Royal Marine and proud member of the Special Boat Service (SBS), lives with several complex health conditions and is rarely able to get out of bed for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Thanks to months of careful planning, teamwork and his own unwavering determination, Piet was able to attend his son’s wedding - something he was set on doing, no matter what.
In the months leading up to the wedding, the Castleford Lodge team, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nurses, worked tirelessly to make Piet’s dream a reality.
Home Manager Sarah Golden-Hill ordered a specialist recliner chair to help Piet build up his sitting tolerance, while nurses Kasia Maj and Jennifer Foster coordinated his care and pain management plan with the local hospice team, GP and ANP. Clinical Deputy Manager Ellie Scott meticulously planned every detail of the day, from transport and medication to how Piet would be supported to dress in his suit, complete with his SBS tie and favourite aftershave.
On the morning of the wedding, care assistants Jordan Sayles and Shannon O’Callaghan helped Piet get ready, and Ellie and Activities Co-ordinator Becky Fairfax accompanied him by ambulance to York. There, they were met by an occupational therapist who helped position Piet comfortably in his specialist chair so he could enjoy the full ceremony.
Despite being unwell earlier that week, Piet’s determination never wavered. When the big moment came, he proudly watched his son exchange vows - and even managed to stand unaided for the wedding photographs, something he hasn’t been able to do in a long time.
Piet’s wife was overcome with emotion, saying, “You don’t know how much it means to us. We didn’t realise until we saw him there just how devastated we would have been if he’d missed it.”
“This is the stuff that makes a difference,” said Ellie. “To see Piet there, after everything he’s been through, made every bit of effort worthwhile. It reminded us all why we do what we do.”
From the first conversation with his wife to the moment Piet proudly watched his son say “I do”, the journey has been one of care, teamwork, and courage, a shining example of how person-centred care, dedication and compassion can make dreams come true.