Eileen and John Rance are 76 and 80 years old respectively and have lived at JH for nearly 7 years. They lived in Holyport for 49 years and moved to JH when they realised they needed a secure place to see out their lives. Eileen is still active and a carer for John, who suffers with dementia.

"We felt this was a nice place to be. There were no stairs and we thought we would stay here forever. We love living in a village and we can’t believe we have to move now. John has dementia and he won’t cope in a new environment. His nurse is very concerned for him and us in this situation. We have three children who all live locally and we see regularly and they are very worried about us."
 

Pam and Dennis are 65 and 73 years old. They have lived in their one bedroom home at JH for 12 years. They are both active members of their community and enjoy the neighbourly environment of JH. They ran their own business until they were victims of a business fraud, the result of which they lost their family home. The effects were worsened when the case against the accused was dropped after the CPS lost important documentation.

‘We had an incredibly traumatic time for around five years and it took a long while to be able to feel safe again after losing everything we had worked for. Our plans for our retirement had gone and we had to start again in our fifties. We rented privately for a few years but had to keep moving when the owners wished to move back or sell the properties. It was a transient and unsettled life. JH was all we wanted, somewhere to live forever, to make our home again. We were assured this would be the case when we moved in and reluctantly gave up two small dogs to do so. As the years have passed we have relaxed and are happy here. Our daughters are nearby and our grandchildren love this place.

They have said they will move us out and yet again we feel insecure and vulnerable. We do not know where we will go and will have no choice. We both suffer with hyper-tension and our doctor has increased our prescriptions since this news. We can’t sleep properly and we’ve lost weight with all this uncertainty, all over again.’
 

Michael 65 ‘I have lived here for 9 years and in the area for 28 years. I worked as a sales and marketing manager in the fashion and motor trades all my life, until I was made redundant and fell on hard times. The opportunity to move into Jesus Hospital, as it was a charitable trust, appealed to me as my circumstances were very difficult at the time.

The feeling of security in tranquil surroundings make you feel relaxed and safe in your later years. My home is warm and comfortable and has everything I need. I have made friends here and a neighbour Cyril Wilde has become my fishing partner and close friend.’
 

Cyril 88 is an ex-marathon runner and remains fit and active despite his increasing years. He is a keen fisherman and lifelong member of the Anglers Association (based at Fishmongers Hall).

‘I was living with my daughter after my wife died but I needed a place of my own. I had lived in this area for over 40 years when I applied to live in Jesus Hospital.

I thought I’d live here for life and was told so. It’s so peaceful and secure. I have lots of friends here and we look out for each other. I can get wherever I need to go. There is a bus service outside the entrance and this takes me into Windsor or Maidenhead for the post office or the Tesco at Dedworth. Two of my three children live locally and are worried about me moving at my age.’
 

Sheila 88 has lived at JH for 32 years and has been an enthusiastic member of Bray community for most of this time. She ran the Mothers Union locally, played the organ in the Chapel at JH until recently and her late husband and sons were in St. Michael’s church choir.

‘I’m too old to be moving about and I’d like to finish my days here as I’ve been here so long.
We lived in Holyport and then my husband was made redundant. He was offered the job as gardener at JH and so we moved here. After he passed away in 2001 I moved into a smaller place here. I have always helped out in the community and I have people around me who help me out now. We used to have a lovely social life here.’