98-year-old Claude hits the road after wish granted
Growing up and living most of his life in Mount Morgan, Claude McKnight was well known around town for his love of motorbikes.
He owned a 1948 Triumph two-wheeler which he talks about and has photos of in his room at the Carinity Summit Cottages aged care community where he lives.
When the 98-year-old was asked by Summit Cottages staff what his biggest wish would be he replied: “I would like to ride a motorbike around Mount Morgan.”
Claude got to see his home town from another vantage point – in the sidecar of a World War II Harley Davidson “Liberator” US army motorcycle – during a 30-minute joyride organised by Summit Cottages staff.
“When the bike arrived Claude’s face lit up. He was taken past his old home as well as down the main street of Mount Morgan. He asked to be taken to the start of the township as well,” Activities Officer Leeann Rolfe says.
“The driver Troy Weier was only too pleased to help Claude with his wish. On arriving back at Summit Cottages you couldn’t wipe the smile off Claude’s face.
“Claude enjoyed just being able to sit on a bike, even if was just the sidecar, and see how things have changed in Mount Morgan.”
Claude’s motorbike adventure is the first of a number of “extra special wishes” purposeful living experiences being arranged by Carinity for its residents.
“At the start of the year I asked each resident what their one wish for the year would be and I would see if I could make it come true,” Leeann says.
“Some of the other residents have asked to see a game of football, one wants to play a game of golf, some want to go to the races, and a few want to just drive around Mount Morgan and see how it has changed.”
Summit Cottages Residential Manager Margaret Eather says Carinity’s residential aged care staff look forward to making happy residents every day.
“At Carinity we believe that everyone has the right to live the life they love – a life without limits – regardless of their age or circumstance. When our staff can bring more smiles to residents’ faces it makes us smile too,” Margaret says.
“We believe that home is more than just Summit Cottages, home is also the wider Mount Morgan community. We love being able to help residents to experience the Mount Morgan lifestyle and continue to enjoy living their home town.
“Assisting our residents to live a life with purpose and sharing special life experiences with them is what we are here to do.”
