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A short Christmas film which could give a John Lewis advert a run for its money has been created by a care home in Maidstone.
Residents and staff at Invicta Court in Gidd's Pond Way joined forces to make 'Together Again', an emotional film which tells the story of a grandmother and granddaughter forced apart because of Covid-19.
Watch: 'Together Again' by residents an staff at Invicta Court in Maidstone
The home's maintenance manager Brian Thornton filmed, directed and edited the video which has been viewed by more than 1,800 people and left all who watched it with a tear in their eye.
Mr Thornton, 62, said: “I’m so glad that people have responded positively to our film. It took us three weeks to make – but it was worth it to hear that it brought a smile to residents and their relatives.
"We have seen Covid-19 from the residents' perspective and we know how hard it has been that they can't visit families so we wanted to tell that story.
"Another message we wanted to get across is that residents are still enjoying life. Yes they're missing their families but there is a really supportive community here still.
"Everyone had a wonderful time taking part in this project, and we can’t wait to start planning for our next short film.”
Resident Pam Smith took on the role of the grandmother while Brian's granddaughter, Macie Tullett, nine, stepped in to be the star of the show playing the granddaughter.
In the film, Macie finds a clever way to see her grandmother and send her a special message of hope while sticking to coronavirus guidelines.
Care home staff then go above and beyond to make the memory a lasting one.
Jacqui Pompeus, home manager at Care UK’s Invicta Court, said: “The home team has worked incredibly hard to make the ‘Together Again’ short film, with involvement from almost everyone here at Invicta Court – and it was all done while we continue to take the measures necessary to keep everyone safe and well.
“We’re glad that our video has lifted the spirits of those watching it this Christmas."
“We encourage residents to live active, fulfilling lives and when Brian had the brilliant idea to make a short film, we decided to ask residents to be involved, whether that be as actors or behind the scenes.
"Pam Smith, a resident turned leading lady, did a fantastic job in the video and brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
“We’re glad that our video has lifted the spirits of those watching it this Christmas and we hope to make more projects like this in the future – well done to Brian, Sara and Pam and everyone who took part.”
