Joan and Max Fullbrook are both residents at Gracewell of Church Crookham, Fleet. Max lives in the Memory Care Neighbourhood, and Joan lives in the Assisted Living Neighbourhood. As they have varying care needs, they are having to live in isolation from one another in different parts of the care home throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Incredibly, Joan and Max first met when the land that Gracewell of Church Crookham is built on was an army camp. A big black shed on the grounds was then used as a community shed and function room. The couple met at a weekly dance there when Joan was 18 and Max 23.
The couple got married in 1955 and now have two children and a grandchild. When asked for their tips on maintaining a happy and long-lasting marriage, Max said: “Make sure you get the right one.” Joan added: “Always let the lady get what she wants.”
The team at Gracewell of Church Crookham have ensured Max and Joan are able to stay in contact via video call. The couple said: “Gracewell has been very friendly and comfortable. The people here are so nice, we are really enjoying our time here.”
Steven Wylie, Home Admissions Advisor at Gracewell of Church Crookham, commented: “Max and Joan are a wonderful couple, the fact they met on the grounds here makes their story so special to us. We are so pleased we are able to help them keep in contact with one another, we know it is such an important time to speak to loved ones.”
