Chippie comes to rescue of veteran
Erskine resident’s craving for a supper served up a surprise
Surprises can come in all shapes and sizes – but it’s not often they are salt and vinegar flavoured.
Well that was certainly the case for residents at two Erskine Care Homes, who were delivered fish suppers by McMonagle’s.
The fish and chip shop’s kindhearted owner, John McMonagle, personally delivered freshly cooked treats to The Erskine Home and Erskine Park in Bishopton.
He did so after seeing a hungry resident declare on Facebook that they were craving a good old traditional bag of chips.
The online plea was one of many wishes which will be made by residents at the veterans’ charity on the lead up to Veterans’ Wishes Week 2017.
John said he felt it was the least he could do to support one of the many veterans’ wishes that Erskine hopes to fulfil this year.
He said: “When my friend brought the wishes for a fish supper to my attention, there was no hesitation on my part – it had to be done.
“It was an absolute pleasure and humbling experience meeting all the veterans.”
Not only did John personally deliver the delicious treats to the residents, but he also wrote a special message inside each box too – a touch which was of great delight to the residents.
Erskine Park cares for veterans living with advanced levels of dementia, which can often affect someone’s appetite or eating habits.
Home manager, Lesley Wylie, claimed the special chippy delivery will have helped spark fond memories within many of the residents.
She explained: “The smell of the food and crunch of the batter are very evocative and helped bring memories back.”
Every resident at Erskine’s four homes is encouraged to make a wish and add it to the Wishes Tree – and it was a wish on the tree which caught the eye of Clydebank chip shop owner, John.
To help make those dreams a reality, Erskine Veteran’s Wishes Week runs from June 1 to 8.
Karen McBeath, Erskine’s community fundraising manager says she is looking forward to the campaign.
She added: “This year, Erskine Veterans’ Wishes Week also runs around the same time as Dementia Awareness Week.
“Almost half of our residents live with dementia, so it’s a really apt time to get involved.
“Fulfilling veterans’ wishes is just one of the ways we help to enhance their quality of life and the care Erskine provides.”
For more information about Erskine Veterans’ Wishes Week, or to request a fundraising pack please contact the charity on 0141 814 4555 or e-mail fundraising@ erskine.org.uk
You can also visit our website at http:// www. erskine. org. uk/ wishes or text ‘Wish’ to 70660 to donate £5.