A heartwarming celebration of community and individuality has been unveiled at a Welsh care home, bringing a resident from Cardiff face-to-face with his own portrait in a vibrant new artwork.
A Special Journey to See a Personal Tribute
Ed, a much-loved resident from Danybryn care home in Radyr, Cardiff, made a special trip to Ty Cwm care home in Carmarthen. He travelled with his mother, Beverley, for the deeply personal reason of seeing a new mural that features his own image for the very first time.
The visit was thoughtfully arranged by care home staff to ensure Ed could experience the artwork first-hand. Known for his ever-present smile and boundless enthusiasm, Ed's inclusion in the mural serves as a heartfelt celebration of his personality and his place within the wider care community.
More Than Just a Painting: A Tapestry of Shared Stories
The mural is far more than simple decoration. It was designed to spark joy and conversation among residents by reflecting themes that resonate deeply with their lives and memories.
The artwork incorporates calming imagery of the beach, music icons that trigger treasured recollections, and even the cheerful face of Toast the dog, a regular and much-loved visitor to the Ty Cwm home. This careful curation transforms the wall into a visual narrative of the community's shared experiences.
An Employee-Owned Model Fostering Connection
The project was facilitated by Shaw healthcare, which owns both Danybryn and Ty Cwm care homes. Significantly, Shaw is the largest employee-owned care provider in the UK.
This business model gives every employee a meaningful voice in how care is delivered, placing core value on compassion, collaboration, and connection. Ed himself is a shining example of this person-centred ethos.
He is a keen participant in home life, regularly supporting charity walks, enjoying gardening and planting projects, and recently joining a chilli-tasting session hosted by Chris Fowler from Welsh Dragon Chilli—all activities undertaken with his trademark cheerful smile.
Jacquie Wilkinson, service manager at Ty Cwm, captured the mural's significance, stating: "The mural is more than just decoration - it tells the story of who we are. Having Ed here to see himself celebrated in it, alongside things that matter to our residents - like music, the seaside, and even Toast - makes it truly special."
The mural now takes pride of place at Ty Cwm, standing as a joyful and permanent tribute to the people who live and work there, and a powerful testament to the importance of personal connection in care.
