17th March 2022
Sanctuary Supported Living
A Guisborough resident was granted an unusual wish to celebrate their 70th birthday.
Norma, who lives at Sanctuary Supported Living’s Redcar and Cleveland supported housing, is a huge fan of the police and had dreamt of riding in a police car.
Police Community Support Officers from Cleveland Police answered the birthday call and made the surprise visit to the New Road service, which supports adults with a range of learning disabilities. The special treat was organised by Care and Support Assistant, Deborah Jefferson, who knows how much Norma loves anything to do with the police.
PCSOs Claire Robinson and Lorraine Hudson arrived with a birthday balloon and card for Norma before posing for photos. She was then treated to a ride in the police car with the sirens blaring, arriving in style at the Highcliff pub where support staff, family and friends were waiting for her celebratory meal and birthday cake.
"Everyone really went above and beyond to help make Norma’s day special and I’m sure she’ll still be talking about it this time next year!"
Rachel Mitchell, Deputy Local Service Manager, said; “Norma was grinning from ear to ear when the officers came to visit. She can often be found watching old episodes of TV series ‘The Bill’ and calls the police ‘her people’.
Everyone really went above and beyond to help make Norma’s day special and I’m sure she’ll still be talking about it this time next year!”
For more information about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services for people with disabilities including autism, see our latest news or find a service near you.
