Brenda’s Night to Remember: Reliving Her Love for American Wrestling

The Lifestyle Team at Timperley Care Home, part of the Kingsley Healthcare Group, enjoy finding out about hobbies and interest that residents once enjoyed and see how they can incorporate something similar into their activities programme. However, for one resident, 89 years old, Brenda Shaughnessy this wasn’t the case, while many people her age reminisce about peaceful pastimes, Brenda’s passion has always been something a little more unusual—American wrestling!

They wanted to bring that joy back into her life. So, they made a special wish come true and took Brenda and her friend to a recent American wrestling show at Wythenshawe Forum in Manchester.

Back in the 1970s, Brenda and her dear friends would regularly visit Stamford Hall in Altrincham to watch the dramatic, high-energy spectacle of American wrestling. It was a tradition that brought them so much joy, and she still speaks about it with such enthusiasm. Even before attending live shows, her love for wrestling started in her Nana’s house. Every Saturday at 3 o’clock, the whole family would gather in front of the television, completely absorbed in the action. Nothing could disturb those precious moments—it was a family ritual, and one of Brenda’s fondest memories.

From the moment she arrived at Wythenshawe Forum, Brenda, who still knows how to have a great time, was in her element. She cheered, she booed, and she got fully involved in the excitement of the night. Watching the wrestlers battle it out in the ring, she couldn’t help but shout phrases like, “Fight, fight, fight!” and even cheekily chant, “Cheat, cheat, cheat!” just like she did in the old days.

One thing that stood out to Brenda was the lively atmosphere, filled with families and children having fun. She was delighted to see young fans enjoying the sport, just as she had done all those years ago. And while she noted that wrestling hasn’t changed too much over the years, she did comment with a laugh, “The opponents look a lot tougher now!”

Iwona Pawelczyk, Lifestyle Co-ordinator said “The night was filled with laughter, excitement, and pure joy. Brenda was constantly exclaiming, ‘Oh my goodness! Oh my gosh!’ as she got swept up in the action. By the end of the show, she turned to us with a big smile and said, ‘Thank you for taking me. It was a night to remember.’ And it certainly was for us too.”

Tracy Mitchell, Manager at Timperley Care Home said “Brenda’s experience reminds us all that age is just a number. Her love for wrestling, her enthusiasm, and her youthful spirit prove that passion never fades.” She continued “It was an honour to bring back such wonderful memories for her, and we’re so happy that she had an unforgettable night. It is making memorable moments such as these that make Kingsley Healthcare stand out from the rest.”

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