Donkey lover Joan Banks, 96, has sponsored a donkey for over a decade and was finally given the chance to caress one at Christmas
A 96-year-old Chingford care home resident’s Christmas was made when she finally came face to face with her favourite animal on the planet, a donkey.
Joan Banks, from Heathlands Care Home, has faithfully sponsored a donkey named Zena through The Donkey Sanctuary for the past ten years.
Care home staff say she often talked about Zena “as if she were an old friend”, and especially at Christmas time, where she would reflect on how donkeys feature so prominently in the Nativity story.
Staff said Joan often wondered what it would feel like to meet a donkey in real life.
And so, excitement filled Heathlands when Performing Pets arrived with their donkey, Jack. As soon as Joan saw him, staff say her face lit up.
They add that Jack the donkey was “calm and affectionate, content to be fussed over and admired”. Joan gently stroked his soft, warm coat and even fed him a carrot, sharing a quiet, meaningful moment with him.
Joan commented: “It was a wish of ten years that finally came true. I’m grateful to Heathlands for organising this for me.”
Home manager, Gladys Danquah, followed by commenting: “Joan had always spoken about her love for donkeys, and it was clear how much it meant to her and her family.
“As a home, we listen to what truly matters to our residents and do everything we can to support their wishes. Seeing Joan’s reaction when the donkey arrived that moment of pure surprise and joy reminded us why person-centred care is so important. Turning her long-held dream into a reality, especially at such a special time of year, was incredibly moving for everyone involved.”
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