THERE was an emotional and moving reunion between Hayley Richardson and her daughter Ruby’s horse Sandy at Jewish Care’s Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet.
Ruby, 17, who is studying for her A levels at Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School and competes in show jumping, brought Sandy to Jewish Care’s Stella and Harry Freedman House care home, where her mum Hayley is receiving palliative care.
The care team, led by care manager Mary Rabbitte, brought Hayley outside to meet Sandy and Ruby.
She said: “This was a very special and important emotional meeting. We realised that Hayley wouldn’t be able to get to Sandy so we decided to bring Sandy to Hayley instead.”
Jewish Care’s end of life and palliative care lead Paula Plaskow is part of the team helping coordinate Hayley’s care and supporting her, together with her family and close friends.
She added: “I asked Hayley what matters most to her and she said ‘Ruby and Sandy’. This visit brought her and Ruby immense joy and a gift of a memory that will be with Ruby forever.
“This visit helped staff get involved in the pastoral care of Hayley, as it’s not just about providing medical care at end of life, but it’s about addressing one’s total wellbeing. I’m so proud of the care team for making this special moment happen.”