Donkey treat takes dementia patient Brenda on trip down memory lane

A 71-year-old care home resident was given the opportunity to visit her favourite animals when she was treated to a donkey walk.

Care UK’s Mill View home in East Grinstead, West Sussex, took Brenda Pearce, who lives with dementia, on a trip to East Clayton Farm for a donkey walk after she wished to see the animals on the home’s “wishing tree”.

Ms Pearce, a life-long animal lover, kept a pair of donkeys, called Belinda and Pickles, for more than 10 years.

She also donated funds to her local sanctuary for decades and took part in donkey gymkhanas.

Ms Pearce had made a wish on the home’s “wishing tree” to be with donkeys again, which inspired Mill View to take her on the trip.

Miriam Markham, lifestyle co-ordinator at Mill View, said: “We always like to go the extra mile for residents here at Mill View, and like to make their wishes come true, no matter how big or small.

“It was incredible to see Brenda’s face light up when she first walked into the farm and spotted the donkeys.

“It really showed how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially those living with dementia, by encouraging reminiscence.

“Brenda was thrilled to spend the afternoon around her favourite animals – not only did she recall more details about her donkeys, she even started to remember more details about her younger years, which really put a big smile on her face.

“It was a fantastic day for everyone involved.”