Remarkable Hazel

Though she’s finally had to retire from playing sport, the remarkable Hazel Bedford is still an active follower on TV and eagerly looking forward to a summer of sport.

A star athlete as a teenager, Hazel was champion sprinter and pentathlete at her school and represented Wakefield in athletics.

She was also a top darts and dominoes player with the Union club which won the local league for 30 years before retiring to give others a chance.

When she wasn’t competing, Hazel loved nothing better than to watch live sport, and in particular the wrestling at Wakefield Corn Exchange featuring Big Daddy, Mick McManus and other grapple stars.

She was married to Kenneth for 42 years before his death and they raised two boys, Mark and Stuart who both became theatre technicians at local hospitals.

Mobility issues have finally slowed Hazel down, but with help from friends, family and Caremark she is able to stay living in her own home.

“Now that I can’t get out and about it’s nice to have someone to pop in for a chat,” says Hazel. “The Caremark carers are wonderful – they are all angels in my eyes.”

A friend does her shopping every week and she has regular visits from her family.

Home Care Support visits Hazel four times a day, helping with personal care, domestic chores and meals.

“The best part is when they are done and they sit down with a cup of tea and have a chat with me,” said Hazel. “That’s what I really look forward to, they keep me up to date with all the news and gossip.”

Hazel loves watching sport on her TV at home and is looking forward to the European Football Championships and the Olympics this summer.

“I’ve always loved sport and it’s great that these days girls are able to play football and rugby, because we couldn’t when I was young,” said Hazel.

“I have to be careful though, I sometimes get so excited I wave my arms about and it sets my care bracelet off! They check I’m ok and I have to explain I was just watching the football.”