A devoted grandson is walking 204 miles along the Cotswold Way in both directions to raise funds for the charity that cared for his grandmother in her final months. Oliver Taylor, 21, began his challenge in February and aims to complete it by the end of summer, hoping to raise £1,500 for Royal Star & Garter.
Grandmother's Care at Royal Star & Garter
Doreen Shepherd, aged 96, lived at the Royal Star & Garter home in Surbiton for two months before passing away in April. During that time, her family visited regularly and were deeply impressed by the support from staff. The charity provides care for military veterans and their partners living with disabilities or dementia, operating homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing, alongside community lunch clubs and telephone friendship schemes.
Doreen was eligible for a place because of her late husband Chris, a former Army corporal. He had always praised the organisation before his death in 2001, prompting the family to reach out when Doreen's health declined last year.
Family Support and Lasting Memories
Oliver said: “Nanny Doreen’s health was declining and she came to Royal Star & Garter straight from hospital, and the care she received was amazing. Before, she had been living on her own and it had been so difficult for her to cope and for us to look after her. But at Royal Star & Garter she had amazing people around her who made her comfortable and happy. And it meant we had our Nanny back – we weren’t her carers anymore and we were able to enjoy our last few weeks together, rather than caring for her.”
The charity is known for helping relatives reconnect with their loved ones by removing the daily pressures of medical care. Oliver wants to ensure other families in similar situations can access the same level of comfort. He added: “Coming to Royal Star & Garter was a god-send for Nanny and our family. I want to raise money so that other families in a similar position to us also have the same amazing experience we did at Royal Star & Garter. Nanny Doreen was an amazing woman and wholly deserved the amazing care she was given.”
Home Manager's Tribute
Helena Maher, home manager at Surbiton, said: “Doreen was only with us a few weeks but in that short time she became a much-loved member of our Home. She adored her visits from her family, and we’re touched to know how much our care meant to them, and that Oliver is now raising money for Royal Star & Garter in memory of his beloved Nanny Doreen.”
To sponsor Oliver, visit his JustGiving page. For more information about the care home, go to the Royal Star & Garter website.
