Huddersfield care home receives thank you visit from olympic silver medallist

Residents and staff at Lindley Grange Bupa Care Home received a visit from Huddersfield’s own Caden Cunningham this week following his return from winning silver at the Paris Olympics.

The care home has been cheering on the Taekwondo star throughout his time at the games, posting their words of encouragement and wishing him luck on social media. When Caden saw the well wishes on Facebook, he responded to thank them for their support.

Activities Co-Ordinator Becky Hirst invited the athlete to the care home once he returned to Huddersfield, and he jumped at the opportunity.

Becky Hirst said: “We’ve been watching lots of Olympic events this year, having it on all the TVs throughout the home. Many of our residents here are big sports fans. We particularly wanted to cheer on Caden Cunningham as he’s one of our own – it’s so special knowing he’s from down the road and has got so far in his sport.

“We were thrilled when Caden responded to us on Facebook, and even more blown away that he chose to visit us in person to say thanks. We were all starstruck and in awe of his silver medal, but he was so lovely and friendly.”

Staff dressed the home with a balloon arch and had glasses of fizz to welcome Caden and toast his success on winning his silver medal. Caden’s arrival was also met with a round of applause from staff and residents at Lindley grange.

Residents made him a card and crafted their own silver medals to match Caden’s, which the athlete proudly wore alongside his own medal. They also presented him with a glass plaque which read: ‘Congratulations Caden, we’re so very proud of you. From everyone at Lindley Grange’.

One resident, Angela Gill, said: “I loved watching lots of sports during the Paris Olympics. It was great to meet a real-life Olympic medallist. Caden was very nice, and it was great to hear about his time in Paris firsthand.”

Lindley Grange Bupa Care Home is situated in Huddersfield and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with dementia. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services.