Queen Elizabeth Court residents revisit the North Wales Mountains to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, residents Ken Bream and Norman Roberts at Queen Elizabeth Court in Llandudno, have recently enjoyed a special trip to see the North Wales Mountains and the world’s famous Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Centre.

Residents Ken and Norman learning about modern mountain rescue tactics with Chris from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Centre Team.

89 years old resident Ken Bream was a founding member of The Llandudno Mountain Rescue Team. It was set up to help people in distress on the Great Orme. Unfortunately, it no longer exists today but Ken remembers vividly some of the mountain rescues that he and his team assisted in.

When asked did he have any fond stories from the time, he laughed and said he especially remembered one afternoon when a young gentleman had slipped and hurt his leg. The team arrived and after about 30 minutes, the casualty asked if he could hurry up as his train was leaving shortly and did not want to miss it. He consequently spent three months in hospital.

92 years old resident Norman Roberts has lived in Wales for many years, and has visited and hiked many miles across the North Wales mountains including Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. He said:

I have always enjoyed hiking as a young lad, and immersing myself with the peace and beauty of nature.

During their visit to Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Centre, Ken said:

Being part of the Mountain Rescue Team was the best thing I have ever done. I am so grateful for the opportunity to see the inner workings of a modern rescue service.

Gary Carr, one of Queen Elizabeth Court’s Activities Coordinator, said:

It was an honour to take our two wonderful gentlemen back to see the mountains again and the rescue centre. We had a lot of fun sharing past life stories, and learning about modern day mountain rescues.

Spending time in nature can really help to support our residents’ health and wellbeing and going back to the vast landscapes that they enjoyed for many years made the experience even more special.

[Summary: Residents Ken Bream and Norman Roberts at Queen Elizabeth Court in Llandudno, have recently enjoyed a special trip to see the North Wales Mountains and the world’s famous Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Centre, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.]