Ex-figure skater who survived stroke feels Right At Home attending Dancing on Ice show

A keen figure skater, who survived a stroke that left her needing home care, has been granted a wish to see skaters in action during the live filming of TV show Dancing on Ice.

Amateur figure skater Alison Lloyd had a stroke at the age of 46 that left her with physical disabilities which resulted in her needing care at home.

The ex-primary school teacher, who now uses a wheelchair to get around and left her job after a stroke in 2015, got her wish to attend the opening night of Dancing on Ice 2022 thanks to her home care workers.

Care staff working for Right At Home granted her a wish, in recognition of her kindness and bravery.

As well as getting a good view of the skating action on the ice, Ms Lloyd was thrilled to have a chat with TV presenter Philip Schofield.

Alison Lloyd said: “I’m not usually out in the evening so this was amazing – far better than anything I could imagine.

“Watching all the skaters live and seeing their amazing costumes sparkle under the lights was beautiful and to top it all off, Philip Schofield even came to speak to us and ask how we were enjoying the show."

Ms Lloyd looked on as 12 celebrities competed to become champion of the ice rink with the help of some of the world's greatest skating professionals.

To get Ms Lloyd to the TV studio on time, care worker Jordan Lewis volunteered to drive a bus donated by the charity Barbara Bus Fund which helps wheelchair users travel.

Ms Lloyd said: “I felt like royalty for the night. Now that I’ve seen it in person, it will mean a lot more to watch the show on TV and remember an incredible evening each time. My wish came true and I am grateful to everyone who made it happen.”

Her wish is the first to be granted as part of Right at Home’s 10-Year anniversary campaign – nicknamed a ‘tin-full of wishes’ – to celebrate a decade of making a difference to people by awarding 10 wishes to 10 people in 2022.

Right At Home appoints new chief executive

Jenny Madghachian, owner of Right at Home Borehamwood and Watford, said: “The entire community worked to make Alison’s wish happen. Alison is an incredible lady and one of the many inspiring people we support. It’s her strength, humility and gratitude which give her the resilience to simply love and enjoy life and we’re delighted we could make her wish come through.”

The news follows the promotion of Right At Home's chief operations officer Lucy Campbell to the top role of chief executive.

Right at Home UK operates over 70 offices in England, Wales and Scotland. Ken Deary, Right At Home's founder and former chief executive, launched the home care organisation in the UK in 2010, before opening its first franchise office in Sutton.

Mr Deary will remain chair of Right at Home and his decision to appoint a new chief executive has been driven by his commitment to the role of Chairman of the British Franchise Association.

Lucy Campbell was awarded the national EWiF Franchisor of the Year accolade in 2020 and 2021.

Ken Deary said: “Lucy has helped us move so far forward in the business already and I'm confident that she will take the business on to new heights; she’s got so much drive and energy and is really well respected by her peers and the franchise network.”

Ms Campbell said her five-year goal is to propel the business growth up to 100 UK offices with a combined turnover of over £100 million.

Lucy Campbell said: “It’s a privilege to be in a position to play an instrumental role in supporting vulnerable adults at a time when this need has never been more important, due to the current pressures our sector is facing.”

click here for more details or to contact Right at Home (Borehamwood & Watford)