By Paul Akerman – Crossroads Care Surrey’s Marketing & Communications Officer
Nicki Wheeler has been a qualified Care Support Worker for Crossroads Care Surrey since 2008. With years of experience in caring for others, she has come across her fair share of interesting and remarkable clients. However, when Nicki was assigned to help support Peter Bliss in caring for his wife, Eileen, she had no idea just how remarkable a person she was about to encounter.
Eileen Bliss is 86 years old. She has suffered with crippling Arthritis, failing eyesight and hearing which she had for at least 10 years, and subsequently, she is permanently bed-bound and can no longer make use of her hands. Despite the extensive list of incredibly stifling limitations that she is forced to endure, Eileen’s mental capabilities have not been hindered. She possesses a level of intelligence and creativity that most could only dream of and has been a keen lover and writer of poetry since she was a child. This love and adoration of the written word has never wavered – and neither Eileen nor Nicki could have imagined where this passion for putting pen to paper would take them.
When Nicki was assigned to Eileen, the pair quickly formed a flourishing relationship that grew stronger and stronger with each visit; sharing anecdotes and tales of everything from Eileen’s childhood to her family life and the fact she was an avid gardener. Interestingly, Eileen’s parents used to have Crossroads carers support them too – so, every year, Eileen and Peter would open their garden up to raise money for charities including Crossroads Care Surrey. Whilst it is written in the job description to try and build a meaningful rapport with clients, it is not always possible; often due to the nature of the patient’s disposition and the difficulties it brings. However, on this occasion, Nicki and Eileen swiftly built an organic and heartfelt friendship. For example, Nicki would often play Eileen’s favourite music to her, and the two of them would regularly participate in a singalong together.
As this friendship blossomed, Eileen began talking about her love for writing poetry as a child and how she always dreamed of having her poems published one day. As she was unable to use her hands, Nicki suggested Eileen dictate her poems for her to transcribe. Nicki would read them back to Eileen, and over time, a collection of 30 poems had been penned.
Thanks to Nicki, Eileen’s dream to have her work published was soon about to become a reality. After contacting multiple printing companies in Chertsey, Nicki soon arranged all 30 poems to be published, with approximately 40 copies being printed – all funded by Peter, Eileen’s husband.
Nicki then took it upon herself to arrange to have the book illustrated and collected the copies a few weeks later. During Nicki’s next visit, she decided to surprise Eileen with a copy of the book. Seeing her dream become a reality moved Eileen to tears.
Eileen was indebted to Nicki and wanted to send the copies out to friends and family, her local church and people that meant a great deal to her. Nicki was more than happy to oblige.
In March of 2022, Eileen asked Nicki if there were any copies of her book left – of which there were still a few remaining. Eileen suggested that she send one of the spare copies to the Queen with an accompanying letter. Nicki thought this was a fantastic gesture – so she placed a copy in a gold envelope and mailed it to Windsor. Neither Eileen nor Nicki thought any more of it.
In May of 2022, a letter arrived for Eileen. Addressed directly from Windsor, the letter thanked Eileen for the wonderful words and stated how lucky Eileen is to have Nicki from Crossroads Care Surrey supporting her. Also enclosed were two signed copies of the Queen herself.
Nicki urged Eileen’s daughter to have the letter framed as a wonderful keepsake for Eileen, which she subsequently did. Much to Nicki’s understandable reluctance, Eileen insisted that she took ownership of the framed letter as a token of her gratitude for allowing her to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a published poet.
Nicki was awarded Service User/Residents Involvement Champion at the Surrey Care Awards for her incredible dedication and commitment to Eileen.
Crossroads Care Surrey is extremely proud of Nicki’s fantastic achievement, and would like to thank her for embodying the values and ethos of the company in such phenomenal ways.
