Bringing comfort and joy

PICK OF THE DAY

IF your heart doesn’t completely melt when you see a bunch of excited four-year-olds barrel in at top speed and hug the elderly residents of Lark Hill retirement village, then you’re made of stone.

It’s been six months since the social experiment that saw the pre-schoolers spending time with the pensioners, during which they all benefitted immensely.

Strong friendships were developed and there was improved mood, mobility and memory in all the older residents.

“I miss them very much. I’d love to see them again,” says 102-year-old Sylvia, while Ken, 87, adds: “When they left, it left an empty space.”

As the kids bowl in, nearly knocking over their elderly friends, it doesn’t take long to see that the experiment had a lasting impact.

They’ve been brought back together for one festive-themed week, which all builds up to a Christmas party at the end, with special guest Alfie Boe, no less.

They make invitations, decorate a tree, gather food for a local food bank and practise their singing and dancing.

Of course there are poignant moments amid the joy, as the residents share memories of Christmases past.

Ken watches a home video from 1964, with his late wife Barbara and their kids opening their presents. “Christmas is hard for me because I realise what I have lost,” he says.

Elsewhere, former dancer Lilian, 82, who wowed us with her tap dancing routine in the series, is scared of falling but wants to take to the dance floor again.

And Victor, 97, rehearses for his performance of White Christmas.

A truly heartwarming show.