When he was younger, Longlands resident Thomas Williamson thought nothing of cycling 100 miles and in far flung places such as Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco.
And not forgetting North Ormesby!
Thomas was a keen cyclist, in fact his daughter Moira says: “it was his life.” He was a member of the Teesside Clarion Cycling Club and took part in various time-trials in the UK and abroad.
Moira says: “He would even take his bike on our family holidays!”
Thomas was born and bred in North Ormesby and worked as a Fitter and Turner for ICI. As well as cycling, he was also a keen gardener and birdwatcher.
Married for 25 years to Evelyn (they separated but still remain firm friends), they had three children and he now also has two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Sadly, around 16 years ago, he was diagnosed with dementia and he began to be cared for at home by Moira.
Eventually, Moira, who works in care herself, realised he would be safer and more comfortable in a residential care setting so he came to Longlands in 2016.
Moira says: “Longlands may not be poshest place in the world but Dad wouldn’t have liked it if it was, the most important thing is that the care is second to none.
“The staff are lovely and lots of them have been there a long time which is a very positive sign, and I can’t praise them highly enough.”
Moira says not being able to see her Dad regularly due to the Covid-19 restrictions has been difficult but is hoping that with residents and staff now receiving their vaccinations, then this may change soon.
She adds: “I was able to see him when garden visits were allowed in the summer and I have also been able to wave at him through the window, so it’s better than nothing, but I can’t wait to hug him again.
“He has had Covid and thankfully recovered and with the vaccine that will hopefully make it even safer. I joke he has had more comebacks than Frank Sinatra!
“I know he’s definitely in the right place. Longlands is fabulous.”
