Sway Place resident Charmian Vilven (95) treated to hot air balloon ride for birthday

A 95-YEAR-OLD’S lifelong wish to go up in a hot air balloon has come true after staff at her Sway care home arranged a surprise birthday treat.

Charmian Vilven, who lives at Care UK’s Sway Place, on Church Lane, was thrilled to get the chance to take to the skies during an hour-long trip from Norton Park in Winchester.

Carers had asked Charmian if she would like to contribute to the ‘Wishing Tree’, an initiative launched by Care UK which enables residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit and activities they’d like to do.

“Charmian wasted no time in adding her hot air balloon wish to mark her 95th birthday on 15th August,” said a spokesperson for the home. “After enjoying a picnic at Winchester Abbey, she took off from Norton Park before viewing the sights of Winchester from the clouds for a journey over the Hampshire countryside.”

Charmian said it was an experience she “would not forget”, and was amazed by the “wonderful scenery, and all the animals down below, including hares, rabbits, deer and cattle”.

Laura Blake, home admissions advisor at Sway Place, said: “It was fantastic to see Charmian take to the skies and the joy that this activity brought, and she embraced all the sights and sounds of Hampshire’s countryside. We love making wishes come true for residents.

“Our ethos here at Sway Place is about fulfilling residents’ lives, and it was wonderful to be able to make this dream come true. We are determined to give residents the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, no matter the circumstances – and we’re thrilled this was such a success for Charmian.”