A retiree in Cumbria has been selected as a guest of honour at a recent retirement home party.

Carole Tattersall was nominated as a ‘festive VIP’ by friends and colleagues at the Dutton Lodge development in Penrith who felt she deserved a special Christmas treat.

The event, on December 6, included festive food and drink, and a special Christmas hamper with a £100 M&S voucher for Carole.

Churchill, which manages Dutton Lodge, said its ‘festive cheer’ initiative had asked people up and down the country to nominate someone who deserved to be rewarded for their commitment to volunteering or charity work this year, or someone who is lonely or has faced some hard times, or simply a loved one who deserves to be spoiled this Christmas.

Unfortunately, Carole was unable to attend the event, but her friend Audrey stepped in to pick up the prize on her behalf.

News and Star: Audrey with the hamperAudrey with the hamper (Image: Churchill)

Audrey said: “It was wonderful to collect these lovely gifts on behalf of my friend Carole.

“She has been quite poorly so we all felt she deserves some festive cheer this Christmas, and she was absolutely delighted to be nominated for this lovely prize.”

Churchill’s area sales manager, Lisa Obertelli, added: “According to Age UK, almost 1.5million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year.

“Our festive cheer events were designed to spread some seasonal magic, and we’re delighted to have done that for Carole here in Penrith.” 

Churchill provides purpose-built one and two-bedroom privately-owned apartments for over 60s.