Jewish Care facilitates farewell for terminally ill Hayley and beloved family horse

Jewish Care has facilitated an emotional reunion between a terminally ill-patient and her daughter’s beloved horse.

Hayley Richardson was reunited with equine friend Sandy, at the charity’s Betty and Asher Loftus centre in Friern Barnet.

Hayley’s daughter, 17-year-old Ruby, who is studying for her A-levels at Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ school and competes in show jumping, brought her horse to Jewish Care’s Stella & Harry Freedman House care home, where her mother is receiving palliative care.

The care team brought Hayley outside to meet them both.

Mary Rabbitte, care manager at the home said: “This was a very special and important emotional meeting. We realised that Hayley wouldn’t be able to get to Sandy, so we decided to bring Sandy to Hayley instead.”

Paula Plaskow, part of the team helping coordinate Hayley’s care, said: “I asked Hayley what matters most to her and she said, ‘Ruby and Sandy’. This visit brought her and Ruby immense joy and a gift of a memory that will be with Ruby forever. It’s not just about providing medical care at end of life, but it’s about addressing one’s total well being. I’m so proud of the care team for making this special moment happen.”

Grant Brown, care manager at Stella & Harry Freedman House, said: “I am delighted that we could facilitate this memorable moment for Hayley. It is warming to see all members of the team going above and beyond for our residents.”

Juliet Nordi, Hayley’s close friend, who was also involved in making it happen, added, “Jewish Care made a bit of magic for a special family.”

After the visit, Hayley’s daughter, Ruby said: “I’m so overwhelmed with the kindness and compassion shown by everyone at the home. Taking Sandy to see Mum was a dream come true and I’m so grateful for how easy everyone made it to do such a nice thing that made all of our days that bit brighter.”