The dream of one supercar-obsessed care home resident was achieved when his care home made it possible for him to ride in a Ferrari.

This year, Stocks Hall, St Helen’s Care Home set themselves a goal of making dreams come true for the people living there and successfully achieved this goal when they organised a supercar experience.

Car fanatic, Paul Shepherd, 43, who has lived at Stocks Hall, Dentons Green, St Helens for nearly two years has had a love for supercars from a young age.  It has been a dream of his to experience a ride in a supercar- a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Accompanied by his mum, Jane, sister, Katie, and two members of Stocks Hall St Helens Care Home, Laura and Lucy, Paul travelled from St Helens to Wigan’s Three Sisters Race Track to begin his supercar experience day.

Speaking on behalf of Stocks Hall, Activities Staff Lucy Peters said: “The sound of the engines and the speed of the cars as we approached the track certainly got the excitement building for Paul.

“Everyone who lives at Stocks Hall is encouraged to keep active and get the most out of each day, as it helps to improve self-confidence and maintain independence for longer.  Paul’s experience today is testament to that.”

Before Paul’s experience began, he got the opportunity to look at the other supercars on site, such as Audi’s, Aston Martin’s and Lamborghini’s to name a few.

The car Paul chose was a Ferrari 430, a deeply impressive supercar. Paul’s driver, John Simpson from Three Sisters Racetrack quickly made Paul feel at ease and ensured he was ready for the time of his life.

Reaching speeds of up to 90 mph, Paul enjoyed a thrill seeking high-speed passenger ride of seven laps around the racetrack.

There were no shortages of smiles, laughs and adrenaline.

On his return Paul said “This is one drive I will never forget- absolutely brilliant! When can I do it again?!”

Julie Gaskell, Manager of Stocks Hall St Helens Care Home, encourages everyone living there to make wishes regularly and let staff know about things they would like to do.

Sometimes these can be little things, such as enjoying an ice cream beside the river, or sometimes they make wishes that require some additional assistance.

Julie said “Nothing makes the team happier than making dreams come true.  These dreams don’t all cost a lot of money to make happen but, regardless of cost, they go a long way to bringing happiness to each individual and their family.”

www.stockshall-care.co.uk/care-home/stocks-hall-st-helens