A place filled with happy memories
For more than sixty years, Mavis Russell has lived in the same home in Cheltenham, a place filled with happy memories of family life, work and community. Now in her early eighties, Mavis continues to live there with her husband Peter, supported by Caremark Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.
Born in the Peak District of Derbyshire, Mavis moved south as a child and has remained local throughout her life. Looking back, she reflects warmly on her journey, describing it simply and sincerely:
“We’ve had a lovely life,” she says.
Mavis’s story is inseparable from her husband Peter’s. The couple met in the early 1960s while working at the same aviation firm, where Peter was a draftsman and Mavis worked as a secretary. Their romance began in an unexpected way.
“Peter won me in a bet,” Mavis laughs.
“His friend bet him a pound that he wouldn’t ask me out and so he did.”
Home care support needed for the first time
That bet marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. They went on to marry, raise two children and welcome a grandson.
Later in life, Mavis worked alongside Peter and their son Guy in their business designing and building exhibition stands for trade shows around the world. She describes her role modestly, but with clear pride in what they built together.
Two years ago, Mavis experienced a serious fall, followed by further complications that led to a hospital stay. On returning home, she needed home care support for the first time in her life.
“I’d never had carers before, so it was a new experience,” she explains.
Caremark are remarkable
Adjusting to care visits four times a day and adapting part of her home to meet her needs, was not easy but despite those initial challenges, Mavis speaks with overwhelming praise for her Caremark carers.
“I can’t praise them carers enough, they are brilliant, absolutely brilliant” she says.
We support Mavis with personal care throughout the day, helping her maintain dignity and comfort in her own home. While Peter, now 88, prepares meals and supports day‑to‑day life, the care team’s presence has been invaluable for them both.
“They even shampoo my hair with one of those shampoo caps,” Mavis adds, highlighting the thoughtful attention to detail that makes such a difference.
She is also keen to recognise how Peter benefits from the support as well.
“People forget it helps the other person too,” she notes, acknowledging the reassurance and relief the care team brings to Peter.
“It would be unfair to pick out just one carer as every single one I have had are fantastic.”
“They really are remarkable.”
About Caremark Cheltenham and Tewkesbury
If you, or someone you know, is struggling at home, why not get in touch with us today on 01242 370797 to discuss your specific needs? You can also view our home care services in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury to give you an idea of the range of support we can provide.