Un-foal-gettable: Patients enjoy special horse visit at The Prince of Wales Hospice
Residents at a Pontefract hospice were bridling with excitement earlier this month when some four-legged friends trotted in to visit.
Patients at The Prince of Wales Hospice were delighted to welcome Nico, a retired racehorse, and Poppy, a Shetland Pony, from horse charity New Beginnings for a special visit on Thursday, October 8.
The horses spent time meeting patients, families and staff, creating smiles and giving people the chance to enjoy a unique experience at the Hospice.
One patient summed up the day perfectly, saying: “How can life be bad when it’s like this?”
Chris Cook, occupational therapist at The Prince of Wales Hospice, said: “Our wellbeing team works hard to create opportunities that bring people together and help them stay connected to the things they enjoy.
Seeing the smiles on patients’ faces when Nico and Poppy arrived showed just how important those moments can be”.
The visit also gave patients and families the opportunity to spend time together, share an experience and create new memories outside of their usual routine.
Organised in partnership with New Beginnings, the visit highlights the positive impact local organisations can have when they work together to support people living with a life-limiting illness.