Ride needed for elderly man to fulfill a dream

Dan Suskin · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 298 Location: Georgia, USA

Hi all,

A friend whose father in law suffers from dementia recently told me that she showed him my car collection (on my website). Despite his dementia, he immediately recognized the vintage Bentley's, and seemed to know a fair amount about them. His recollection of his passion for the cars, and their history, exceeded much they've seen from him recently.

I would love him to have a drive in a vintage Bentley - but I am in the USA.

Anyone with a WO Bentley willing to take this man on a short drive? They live in Post Code HP5 3PF. Chesham or Berkhamsted

Thank you in advance
Danni

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2018 6:57 pm Post subject:

I have a suggestion.

I wonder if you might have more joy with a more targeted campaign? May I suggest contacting the appropriate regional chairman to ask if he could make enquiries of his members? I've always found the BDC to be a very helpful lot.

John Murch · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 6:51 am Post subject:

If you don’t get any more appropriate offers, I would be happy to offer a ride.
However my car is a typically tight to get into vdp 3ltr speed model, something with larger doors may be better! But provided there is some assistance I’m sure it’s possible. (I’m about 1.5hrs away).

Dan Suskin · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 298 Location: Georgia, USA

Thank you John - I have emailed them asking about that distance. Physically, the 3L would not be a challenge I'm told. I'll get back to you with further info - much appreciated.

Stephen - good suggestion, thank you. Being somewhat geographically challenged, which region would this far into?

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 10:55 am Post subject:

I'm in the peak district so that's a long way off my patch. I would guess SW. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come up with a definitive answer.

Chris Card · Guest

Midlands or Eastern Regions would probably be closest.

Chris

Dan Suskin · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 298 Location: Georgia, USA

Thank you

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 11:27 am Post subject:

Midlands chairman Tom Commander is a very helpful chap. If it's not on his patch, I'm sure he'll know where to direct you.

John Murch · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 11:41 am Post subject:

Dan, I am more than happy to drive over to them, that’s not a problem. I was just concerned over the getting in and out of the car!
John

Dan Suskin · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 298 Location: Georgia, USA

John - that is very kind of you - thank you. Please let me have your email address (here or privately) and I'll put the two of you ion touch to arrange things. It is really very much appreciated.

John Murch · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:29 pm Post subject:

John_murch@hotmail.com

Dan Suskin · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 298 Location: Georgia, USA

Thank you - Karen Sweeting will be in touch

John Murch · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 9:31 am Post subject:

Thanks Dan, Contact and arrangements made for next month, I shall let you know how it goes.
john

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 12:22 pm Post subject:

Well done John. That's very kind. My father is in nursing care with fairly advanced dementia so I am familiar with the condition. Your visit may end up also being a bit of light relief for the family. Good luck with it. I hope he is having one of his more lucid days when you go.

John Murch · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 4:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks Stephen, My late Dad had Alzheimers, so I well understand the situation. I found that on certain subjects he could be surprisingly lucid, hopefully the gentleman in question might find something to stimulate him, the noise, the smell etc.
It will please me enormously if he gets just a few moments of pleasure from the meeting.
John.

Dan Suskin · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 298 Location: Georgia, USA

David Cocking · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2018 9:25 am Post subject:

A great initiative. A couple of weeks ago I took my car along to a local dementia nursing home where my mother-in-law is resident. A thoroughly positive experience for all involved, with some of the ladies being just as enthused as the gents, tales of them being whisked across the country by their beau in something similar when they were but a slip of a lass. One chap was excitedly chatting away about the intricacies of the engine and I later discovered he hadn't uttered a single word for the previous six months. Very moving.

Paul Spencer · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2018 12:40 pm Post subject:

That's a brilliant story David. A couple of years ago, a woman contacted the BDC to ask if someone could take her father out in a vintage car for his 70th birthday for a donation. The club contacted my region and I took them both for a morning in the 3 Litre. I declined their offer of an additional payment to me (after all, we drive these cars because we enjoy it, and any excuse ...), so they took my wife and me for Bollinger and tapas at a local cafe. All very pleasant.

David Cocking · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2018 5:43 pm Post subject:

Excellent job, sounds very pleasant indeed! Very Happy

Dan Suskin · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 298 Location: Georgia, USA

John

Thank you for going over and sharing your car today. I know that he loved it, proclaiming it a proper car! The pictures I saw were just fantastic and his pleasure is evident . The car is quite magnificent.

I very grateful to you.

Best regards
Danni

John Murch · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2018 3:45 pm Post subject:

It was a pleasure, the sun came out, the real hero was James who was in the back navigating!
John

Christopher Adams · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 1:01 pm Post subject:

What a thoroughly heartwarming story. Well done John Murch! Have a very Happy New Year all.