12 March 2026

Norwich woman marks 99th birthday with visit to Redwings

Photo of Barbara in a wheelchair meeting a pony being held by a handler.

Barbara marked her 99th birthday by reconnecting with her lifelong love of horses.

Barbara, who lives at Care UK’s Cavell Court in Cringleford, was treated to a private tour of Redwings Aylsham to celebrate.

She met some of our residents, learned more about their care and enjoyed plenty of time up close with the horses.

Barbara said: “It rained and the wind blew, but it didn’t spoil the day. Being back with horses around me brought back many old memories. Horses have always meant a great deal to me.

“I met a donkey called Choco, and it gave me such a smile. My little cuddly horse, who is always by my side, has the same name, and it felt like one of those small, lovely surprises life still gives you.”

Barbara’s love of horses began at a very young age, inspired by her father who had hoped to become a jockey in his younger years but was unable to afford the training, instead completing an apprenticeship as an engineer.

He later served in the First World War, where he worked on horseback. He would often share stories about the horses with Barbara, sparking a passion that would stay with her for life.

Aged 21, Barbara began horse riding lessons, paying for them with her wages from her job at a hotel. She worked double shifts in bookkeeping and as a receptionist to cover the classes.

Her dedication paid off and eight years later she bought her own horse – a cob mare named Tinkerbell, affectionately known as Tinks.

Pedro Campos, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “We always try to make birthdays special, but turning 99 called for something extra.

“As soon as we heard Barbara talk about her love of horses and her memories of Tinkerbell, we knew a trip to see them again would mean the world to her.

“Seeing her smile from start to finish was just wonderful, and it was such a lovely moment for everyone there.”

Barbara’s birthday experience was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to lead fulfilling lives through new hobbies they'd like to try, places they'd like to visit or activities linked to past careers, and no wish is too big or small.

Redwings' CEO Lynn Cutress said: “It was a pleasure to host Barbara for her special birthday wish, and to introduce her to the rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Aylsham. We share Barbara’s deep love for horses and are proud that our charity’s Visitor Centres facilitate special moments like this where people can enjoy meeting residents like Choco and Patch nose-to-nose!”