Wedding Bells Are Ringing at Smith Drive!

Community Integrated Care is delighted to report that Sylvia, a person we support at Smith Drive in Warrington, tied the knot on Saturday 19^th January with her long-term partner, Paul. Sylvia and Paul were married at Warrington Registry Office, surrounded by over fifty guests who came together to celebrate their special day.

Sylvia asked her longest-acting Support Worker, Karen Knibbs, to walk her down the aisle and act as witness to this heart-warming occasion. Karen commented, “When Sylvia first asked me to walk her down the aisle and be her witness for her wedding, I had no hesitation in accepting as it was an honour to be part of her special day. I have worked with Sylvia for many years now, and it was very rewarding to see her enjoying her wedding day and marry the man who she has been dating for the last 18 years – he is the love of her life.” 

To make the wedding as wonderful as possible for both Sylvia and Paul, an appeal for donations was set up, which saw several local businesses band together in a remarkable display of good will. Sylvia was treated to a new hairstyle and shellac nails, along with flowers and amazingly, a wedding car – all of which were all donated to the appeal!

Sylvia’s beautiful, traditional wedding dress was also thoughtfully gifted to her from a lady who saw the appeal. Sylvia told her Support Workers that with her hair, nails and a perfect fitting dress, she felt like “a million dollars” on the day.

The wedding was also awarded a grant from Community Integrated Care’s very own We Care Fund. The We Care Fund is a central pot of money used by all of Community Integrated Care’s Support Services when taking part in charitable initiatives and events. Services can then apply for a grant to further enhance the lives of the people supported by our charity. Along with alterations to her dress, Sylvia used the We Care Fund to decorate the room full of balloons and to buy her wedding cake, making the grant a real slice of heaven!

Sylvia was filled with gratitude for her support workers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the big day was everything that Sylvia had dreamed of. Claire Anders, a Support Worker at Smith Drive, was the mastermind behind the appeal. Commenting on the success of the day, Claire said, “I feel very fortunate that I can change a person’s life for the better by overcoming obstacles and persevering, even when things become difficult. I hear the term “just a carer” but I believe we do so much more for the people we support.”

Sylvia thanked all of those who came together in her appeal, telling our colleagues she had never seen such an impressive display of community spirit.

A huge congratulations to Sylvia and Paul. From everybody at Community Integrated Care, we are wishing you a long and happy marriage!