Homerton College welcomed back Pat after she told staff at Mountfitchet House Care Home that her wish was to return.
Patricia Cooper worked as a Senior Lecturer in the Drama Department of Homerton College for over a decade. Now at 88 years old, she is a resident at Mountfitchet House Care Home. Part of the Care UK group, Mountfitchet House takes part in the Care UK Wishing Tree initiative that encourages residents to share their hopes and dreams, which the staff then aim to fulfil.
Patricia’s wish was to return to Homerton College for a day, and after the Mountfitchet House Team reached out to Homerton College, the Homerton Alumni Team worked with them to make this dream a reality.
On Pat’s arrival at Homerton College she was met by one of Homerton College’s dedicated Alumni Team for a tour through the College. Stopping frequently to reminisce, Pat had the opportunity to visit the spots that hold so many memories for her, whilst observing how the College has evolved over time.
Joined by a group of current Homerton students, Homerton College Principal, Lord Simon Woolley, also sat down with Pat to welcome her back and hear some of her tales from her time at the College. As well as hearing her stories of the past, students also spoke with Pat about what life at the College is like for students today.
Before heading to lunch in Homerton College’s Dining Hall, constructed in 2022 long after Pat had left the College, Pat was presented with a Homerton College gift bag. The gift bag included a notebook, pen, pin-badge, and a Homerton College Teddy Bear, which Pat affectionately named ‘Simon’ after Homerton’s Principal. Mountfitchet House has reported that ‘Simon the Teddy Bear’ sits proudly on Pat’s bedframe in her room at Mountfitchet House.
Lord Simon Woolley, Principal of Homerton College said “It was a real privilege to welcome Pat back to Homerton and to see her reconnect with the places and people that meant so much to her. Hearing her stories and seeing the warmth of the welcome from our students and staff was a wonderful reminder of the lifelong community that Homerton represents. We’re delighted to have helped make this special visit possible.”
