Ceri Lloyd and Heather Organ with their invitations from Buckingham Palace
Staff at a Caerphilly County Borough Council residential home have made a lifelong dream come true for one of their residents.
Ceri Lloyd, who lives at Graig Road Residential Home in Hengoed, has always dreamed of visiting Buckingham Palace and meeting the royal family, especially the Queen. He does not have many interests, but is a huge fan of the Queen and Royal family.
Ceri’s dream came true when staff at Graig Road arranged for Ceri to attend a special Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 3rd June 2014.
Graig Road is a residential home for adults with a learning disability. Graig Road is an ordinary house, on a normal street, which blends into the local community and becomes the residents’ homes. Ceri is a big part of the local community and regularly attends Moriah Church in Ystrad Mynach and has made many friends and acquaintances on his frequent trips into the local town.
Ceri will be wearing a lounge suit for the occasion and is looking forward to dressing up and looking his best for his special day. With tea, cakes and a beautiful garden to stroll in, garden parties are among the most relaxed and informal Royal events. Every summer, The Queen hosts these parties at Buckingham Palace, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Ceri will be accompanied by Heather Organ, who works at Graig Road residential home. Heather has worked for Social Services for over 24 years and has known Ceri for 22 years. They have great working relationship with an understanding of mutual respect for one another.
Heather said, “The moment that we handed Ceri the envelope with his invitation in was amazing, to see someone realise their lifelong dream was truly magical.”
Claire Mullenger, Manager at Graig Road said, “I’d like to thank all the staff at Graig Road for making Ceri’s dream come true, his face when he realised he was going to Buckingham Palace was one of pure delight.”
Sarah Bowen who also works with Ceri will be accompanying them on the trip to London and all three hope to do some sightseeing, taking Ceri to St Pauls Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and maybe even the London Eye if Ceri is feeling brave enough.
For more information on Caerphilly County Borough Councils residential homes please visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk
