“It really has been a great tonic for me.”
George describes his new life at Brideoake Court, a Retirement Living development for over 60s in Standish, Greater Manchester, as like “a permanent holiday”. He’d previously had a very difficult time, losing his beloved wife Dorothy at the start of 2024. Before that she had lived with dementia for several years and George had been her carer until she needed specialist support. He was then left on his own in their family home. Finding the isolation challenging, George took the bold decision to look for somewhere new to live, and found the right solution virtually on his doorstep.
George says, “I was born in Wigan and had always lived in the area – I was aware that McCarthy Stone was building a new development and was intrigued to find out more.
“I was invited to visit the show apartments at another McCarthy Stone development, Balshaw Court in Leyland. I was really impressed with what I saw and signed up for a new home at Brideoake Court almost immediately.”
The development was still under construction, but the McCarthy Stone team kept in constant touch and were invaluable in making the move easy, “McCarthy Stone recommended an estate agent for me as well as a solicitor and a removals firm, which all worked out really well and took the stress out of moving.”
Since moving in, George has made a wealth of new friends and continues to do so as the community rapidly grows.
“Our community of homeowners have lots of spontaneous events. One we had recently was a communal supper where everyone brought along a dish. Everyone is so friendly and there’s always someone around to chat. It really has been a great tonic for me.”
Travel fan George is now looking forward to new adventures
Having started his career as an apprentice painter and decorator, George moved to Heinz in Wigan in his early 20s and was able to retire at the age of 50 thanks to the generous pension scheme.
George’s late-wife Dorothy also worked locally at a Wigan Infirmary, where she rose to become Chief Medical Officer in the Haematology Department.
The couple had two sons, one now a doctor in Yorkshire and the other living with his family in Sydney, Australia.
When Dorothy retired at 54, the couple were able to indulge their passion for travel. Cruises were a regular source of enjoyment and the couple also made trips to Sydney to see their younger son and his family, and travelled as far as Adelaide and Ayers Rock. Italy was another frequent destination with Dorothy being fluent in the local language.
George’s passion for travel remains and he will make the long journey to Australia this May for a five-week stay with his family, safe in the knowledge that his McCarthy Stone property is safe and secure with the House Manager on-hand.
George will no doubt have plenty of stories to share with his new friends.
Join a friendly retirement community near you
Whether you choose an independent living apartment with Retirement Living or opt for the added services of Retirement Living PLUS, our welcoming retirement communities host a range of informal gatherings, fitness clubs, charity fundraisers and events to suit all interests and abilities.
Learn more about our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
