THRIVE 25 is our company-wide initiative dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and making meaningful progress with our incredible residents. Residents are able to share their wishes & desires with our activity teams who then help to make them a reality
Val and her husband used to visit Bettys every Saturday, where they’d share a warm drink and a curd tart. It was a treasured tradition—not just for the two of them, but for their three children as well. Recreating that beautiful memory meant the world to them.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
As Val approached the table, fully dressed in Bettys style from top to bottom, she was speechless. A little nervous giggle escaped her, but words failed—her expression said it all. Her daughter Michelle thought they were simply coming for a cup of tea and a curd tart… she never expected the whole of Bettys to be brought to life before them.
There were Bettys macaroons, raspberry loaf cake, a selection of sandwiches, and of course, the famous curd tarts. Val H and Dot joined to help Val enjoy her Thrive moment.
Michelle and Val sat together, looking through the afternoon tea menu, pointing out everything on the table and reminiscing—it truly felt magical.
And let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be a proper afternoon tea without a glass of pink fizz, would it?
We could go on and on writing about this moment—it’s hard to find the right words. All we know is this: it meant everything to Val. Her face is something we will never forget.
Moments like this inspire us to keep going, to make as many dreams and wishes come true as we can. Because we know how precious memories are—how important it is to keep living, to keep creating joy, and to go that extra mile. These are the moments that matter most.
A heartfelt thank you to the manager at Bettys Ilkley. When we visited yesterday to purchase curd tarts, we explained our Thrive 25 initiative, and she was incredibly kind and supportive. She filled a bag with napkins, menus, coasters, and magazines—and gave us guidance on how Bettys would set the table in-house.
Without the generosity of the team at Bettys, this Thrive 25 experience wouldn’t have been nearly as special. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Bettys.
