TWO elderly residents of a York nursing home have packed their bags and jetted off to cruise around the Canary Islands.
The pair, both wheelchair users, have never flown before and are being accompanied by a nurse and two carers - who have given up part of their own holiday to go with them.
Betty Lockwood, 87, and Annie Jamieson, 82, both live at Mulberry Court nursing home, off Shipton Lane, Rawcliffe. They have flown to Tenerife from Manchester airport, to board the Topaz cruise ship, bound for Lanzarote, Morocco, Madeira, and Gran Canaria.
The friends, who have lived in the home since 2001, have never ventured further than Jersey or France.
Before they left, Betty said: "I think I will be scared of flying, but I'm looking forward to it."
The trip began as a joke by nurse Shirley Holgate, during a minibus trip to Castle Howard. Dreams turned to reality after inquiries were made about facilities for disabled people aboard the ship.
Annie, who has a son and two grandchildren, was also excited about the trip. She said: "I'm most looking forward to going to Madeira."
They will return from their travels next weekend.
Updated: 09:42 Saturday, March 01, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article