‘Ace’ caregiver serves up sweet treat for Basingstoke residents as Wimbledon gets underway

Wimbledon fever inspired a Basingstoke caregiver to surprise her elderly clients with a special delivery this week. 

Julie Daws, 50, never fails to put smiles on her clients faces and yesterday was no different when she visited their homes dressed in tennis whites and served up a delicious helping of strawberries and cream.

The caregiver, employed at Right at Home Basingstoke, said her client’s passion for Wimbledon inspired the idea. 

“Some of my clients told me they love Wimbledon, and I love watching Wimbledon, so it seemed to make sense, but any reason to put a big smile on their faces was good enough for me,” Julie said. 

“I love knowing that I have made them feel happy, today and every day.” 

This isn’t the first time that Julie has marked a seasonal occasion in this way – earlier this year she spread Easter joy among residents living across Basingstoke by donning bunny ears and handing out chocolate eggs. 

She is passionate about stamping out isolation, allowing older and disabled adults to stay engaged and connected with the outside world, even when they can’t leave their homes.

Robert, 87, said he was delighted by Julie’s latest surprise.  

“I have always gotten on well with Julie, I am very fond of her. She often comes in with something for me to take part in and she makes me smile. I enjoyed my strawberries and look forward to what she thinks up next,” he said. 

Another one of Julie’s client’s, Nina, aged 85, said: “I shop once a week and the difference in taste of the fresh strawberries from Julie was lovely. I really enjoyed them, and Julie is wonderful.” 

Right at Home Basingstoke Registered Manager, Emily Colliss, described Julie as a “dream”. 

“Our clients are always delighted when Julie pays them a visit – she is the one they all want to spend time with. Julie also regularly enhances their well-being with social events, ensuring they are socially integrated,” she said.