In an effort to offer support and solace to a recently widowed 93-year-old resident, a retirement home in Northampton made a special cushion for Joyce Beckett out of her late husband's favourite shirt.
Concerned that Joyce was becoming incredibly distressed since her husband John's passing on February 11th, staff at Richmond Village sought to find a tangible way to reunite the elderly woman with her beloved husband.
Spurred on by an idea by Chris Rayatt-Howard, head of activities at the retirement home, staff set about creating a very special memory cushion which featured a small photo of Joyce's late husband along with a poignant message which would bring a tear to anyone's eye.
Reminding Joyce that her husband will always be by her side in spirit, staff at the retirement home included a message beside John's photo read: "This is a shirt I used to wear. Whenever you hold it know that I am there."
According to the Daily Mail, Joyce wept with happiness when she was presented with the incredibly special present last Thursday - a reaction which was shared by all those present during the special moment in Richmond Village last week.
Commenting on the incredibly thoughtful gesture made by Chris and fellow staff, Joyce's son David said: "Chris who did it asked Claire, the senior adviser, to ask me if I would let them have a shirt of my father."
"I said yes and I can't believe what a lovely touch it was, he recalled. "I'm sure it will be a comfort because she has had some distressing times recently, particularly early evenings so to have that cushion is just remarkable."
Joyce and John, who lived in Richmond Village for the last three years of John's life, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last August.
We don't know about you, but we're in tears here at MummyPages HQ.
