A simple conversation about a lifelong love of donkeys has led to an unforgettable experience for 88-year-old Betty Dixon, thanks to the friendship she has formed with an Isle of Wight volunteer.
Betty is supported by Age UK Isle of Wight’s Gift of Friendship programme, which pairs older Islanders with volunteers who provide regular companionship and opportunities to get out and about.
Her volunteer befriender, Sharon Newnham, regularly spends time with Betty, whether heading out together or simply catching up each week. During one of those conversations, Betty mentioned just how much she loves donkeys.
It was a small detail that Sharon remembered – and one which would eventually lead Betty to meet Thomas, Major and Frankie at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.
After hearing about Betty’s love for the animals, Sharon contacted Age UK Isle of Wight to see whether something special could be arranged. The charity approached the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall, whose team agreed to organise a special experience for the 88-year-old.
Accompanied by Sharon and members of the Age UK Isle of Wight team, Betty was welcomed to the sanctuary and introduced to the 3 donkeys. She was able to get up close to Thomas, Major and Frankie, stroke them and learn more about them from the sanctuary team.
For Age UK Isle of Wight, the experience demonstrates how simply giving someone time, listening to them and building a friendship can make a meaningful difference.
Maria Bunce, Chief Officer at Age UK Isle of Wight, has said:
“Betty and Sharon’s story is such a lovely example of what volunteering can lead to.
“It all started with a normal conversation. Betty mentioned something she loved, Sharon listened and remembered it, and because they had built that relationship, we were able to turn it into an experience that meant a great deal to Betty.
“That is what makes befriending so valuable. It isn’t about doing anything extraordinary every week. It is about giving somebody your time, having a conversation and building a genuine friendship.
“Our volunteers make a real difference to older Islanders, but volunteering can also be incredibly rewarding for the volunteers themselves. You meet people you might never otherwise have met, hear their stories, share experiences and build real connections.
Article continues below this advertisement “We would love to hear from more people across the Island who might be able to give some of their time to an older person.”
For Sharon, watching Betty enjoy the experience proved equally special.
Sharon has said:
“Seeing how much Betty enjoyed meeting the donkeys made the whole day really special. It was lovely knowing that something she had mentioned during one of our conversations had led to this.”
The Gift of Friendship programme matches older people across the Isle of Wight with volunteers who can spend regular time with them. Each friendship is different, ranging from chatting over a cup of tea to heading out for coffee, visiting somewhere together or enjoying a shared interest.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer befriender or supporting Age UK Isle of Wight can find out more at www.ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight/.
The charity has thanked the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for helping to make Betty’s visit possible.
