At the age of 98, Betty Thompson has finally realised her lifelong dream to go ice skating — thanks to the kind staff at Baily House Care Home, Mansfield, where she lives.

Betty is severely visually-impaired and the team at Baily House had noticed she had become quieter in recent weeks.

In a bid to encourage her social activity the Ambitions team at Baily House chatted to Betty about her dreams.

She revealed that as a child, and throughout her life, she had always wanted to ice skate, but her family could not afford it

Betty’s mother told her, ‘people like us don’t waste money on such things.’

So staff at Baily House took her to the Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton, where Betty had the ice rink to herself as she was able fulfil her long-held wish.

Betty’s mood entirely changed as soon as she knew her wish would be coming true — she was up-beat and excited and couldn’t wait to get on the ice.

On the day, she was pushed around the rink in her wheelchair by Jenna Hemmings, Ambitions co-ordinator.

Betty said: “It was a magical day. I just enjoyed getting out and feeling normal, being around other people on the ice. They did not tip me out and I had a wonderful time.”

She is determined to get back on the ice again soon, after the leisure centre gave her a lifelong pass.

Ashley Baird, home manager at Baily House, added: “We are delighted to have been able to help Betty achieve her dream.

“The team here go out of their way to get to know each resident individually and to understand their interests and what they still want to achieve.

“We look after our residents both physically and mentally and try to make their wishes come true.”