Couple’s run of good luck
Marie and Eddie prove all walks of life can enjoy the amenities and pleasures of retirement living, as DEBORAH STONE finds out
IT’S FAIR to say that age has not slowed down grandmother Marie Caldwell. Under normal circumstances the 82-year-old veteran of more than 50 marathons runs 30 to 60 minutes every morning then power walks in the afternoon. And now that she and her ex-wrestler husband Eddie – recently retired from his job as a sports and massage therapist and lecturer – have moved into a Mccarthy & Stone retirement development, she has been inspiring neighbours in their 80s and even 90s to get back on their feet.
Marie has been running a weekly fitness group at Valley Court in Bury, Greater Manchester, and many of the 20 members have reported improvements in their walking.although the group is on hold at the moment Marie, who took up running when she was 45, says:“it’s an absolutely fantastic group that’s full of laughter, dancing and singing.”
“I encourage everyone who attends to join in with what they can and take it at their own pace.”
Marie and Eddie moved tovalley
Court three years ago because their large family home and garden was expensive to maintain.
“I’d been considering downsizing for a while but Eddie had a couple of reservations,” says Marie. “However, within five minutes of visiting the development and talking with the team he was convinced and told me to put our name down. Lucky for him I already had!”
Marie had watched the development progress when she ran past it every day and they moved into a two-bedroom apartment when building was complete.
“We have made some great friends and really feel part of a thriving and supportive community. Not a day goes by without me saying, ‘Aren’t you glad we moved here?’”
All the flats atvalley Court have now been sold but there are more Mccarthy & Stone developments at Bamford near Rochdale, seven miles away, and Stockport, on the other side of Manchester.
The first residents have been moving into Butterworth Grange in Bamford, which is close to golf courses and bowling clubs, as well as cricket and football grounds.
The 13 one-bedroom and 17 twobedroom flats are open-plan with walk-in wardrobes, kitchens with fitted appliances and luxury bathrooms.
Communal areas include a homeowners’ lounge with free wifi and landscaped gardens, where the patio is a sun-trap.
Just five apartments remain, from £169,999 for a one-bedroom flat and £259,999 for the final two-bedroom flat (0800 201 4811; mccarthyandstone.co.uk).
Butterworth Grange has a camera entry system and intruder alarms in all flats, as well as an on-site house manager and 24-hour emergency call system, and these will be available at Hampson Court near Stockport when it has been completed.
Three flats have already sold at the development, which will have 14 one-bedroom and 27 two-bedroom apartments, some with balconies. Prices start at £179,999.
Facilities are similar in both developments, with sales, rent and partbuy/part rent available. For enquiries use the website’s Send Me Updates option, or call the sales team. Do not visit the developments.
As for Marie in Valley Court, she’s having the time of her life: “There’s no way I’m going to slow down anytime soon,” she says. “I’ve got a reputation to keep up!”