A care organisation has a new Queen.
Mum of two Joanne Davies was crowned during the Diamond Jubilee festivities at Pendine Park, in Wrexham.
Joanne, 42, has been a resident of Penybryn, the brain injuriies unit, for a little over six months.
She was thrilled when Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE conducted the coronation, accompanied by his wife Gill.
There to watch their daughter’s big day were Bob and Carole Duggan who explained that Joanne had been struck down by a virus which has left her needing constant care.
Bob said: “Joanne has two children Ryan who is 12 and a daughter Ashley who is 15. It has obviously been very hard since Joanne was hit by this terrible virus that has, in many ways, destroyed her life.
“However, days like today are something we can enjoy. Joanne was thrilled to be named as queen and was very nervous. She really enjoyed the crowning ceremony and the parade which followed around the grounds.
“Clearly, we would prefer Joanne to be at home with her family but as this isn’t possible we are pleased she is settling into life here at Penybryn where the standard of care and nursing is exceptional.
Penybryn Manager Tracy Cuthill said: “What a lovely occasion! To see all the bunting and balloons is really inspiring and I have to pay tribute to our staff who have worked so hard to ensure all those residents who wanted to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee could do so.
“I think the lead-up to the celebrations have been particularly exciting with so much going on. I particularly like the effort that has gone into our Jubilee Memory trees.
“Each resident has left a message for the Queen, or shared a memory, which has been put on a post card and attached to a tree. I know many of our residents have found this a particularly stimulating experience.”
Crown bearer for the day was Sarah Behre, 22, who hails from Ethiopia, who handed Joanne’s crown to Mario Kreft so he could perform the ceremony.
Activities Coordinator Gerry Humphreys said everyone had been excited as preparations for the big day got underway.
She said: “We have so much going on and following Joanne’s crowning we enjoyed a parade around the grounds. Following that the residents sat down to a ‘Lunch Fit for a Queen’ which included canapés, crown of lamb and queen of hearts pudding.
“Then after lunch residents and staff enjoyed a disco and plenty of traditional party games. It’s been a wonderful day and I am so glad Joanne’s mum and dad were able to come along and share her big day.”
