Care home residents find true love in lockdown

Two residents at a Bingley-based care home have found true love after their friendship flourished into romance during their time together in lockdown.

John Wood and Olga Fleming met in the summer of 2019 at Cottingley Hall Bupa Care Home, where they both live. Other than the occasional greeting and small talk, the two were not acquainted until staff at the home suggested getting to know each other. They soon became close friends after chatting over coffee and lunch.

The couple admit that they were surprised at how much they had in common. After getting to know each other over regular coffee dates, they came to realise that it was the small things in life such as completing a crossword together was completing their lives too. This was when they began to see their friendship blossoming into what they now describe as ‘true love’.

John and Olga agree that their favourite afternoon activity to do together is to sit in the sunshine and have great conversation while holding hands. John added: “After getting to know Olga as friends, it reached a point where we no longer wanted to leave each other’s side. We have both found our happy place, and it is with each other.”

When asked about her newfound romance, Olga said: “There is no age limit to falling in love and we are proof of that. No matter how old you are, if you want to get to know someone you should just go for it because it could turn into something special.

“We are happy to have each found a companion to spend our days with and my life is now better with John in it.” Lorraine Tinkler, Home Manager at Cottingley Hall Bupa Care Home, said: “Seeing John and Olga’s relationship grow from one of friendship to love is truly heart-warming. Simply by watching them be together, I know that they found something extraordinary, and they are so happy to be sharing their time together at the home.

“We are always encouraging new friendships at Cottingley Hall, many people meet through the social activities and events put on by our staff. We suggested that John and Olga should get to know each other – we knew they have lots in common, but little did we know this relationship would turn into something much more special.”

Cottingley Hall Bupa Care Home is situated in Bingley and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services

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