A popular belly dancer, who moved to Cyprus, has made a special return to a Caterham care home after calls from residents and families for her to perform one more time.
Buxton Lodge, part of Aurem Care, turned Chantel’s first visit back to England into a colourful Mardi Gras-themed celebration.
The performer had previously been a much-loved visitor to the home before emigrating to Cyprus last year.
Residents and their families had continued to ask after her, so when she contacted the Buxton Lodge activities team to say she would be back in England for a weekend in September, staff decided it was the perfect opportunity for a special celebration.
Residents got into the Mardi Gras spirit by making their own colourful masks before being surprised by the return of their favourite belly dancer.
The celebrations continued with cakes and wine as friends and family joined residents for the occasion.
Buxton Lodge residents Jeff and Stephanie described the day as “amazing”, while staff members Gemma and Christine gave it the same verdict.
One family member thanked the home’s activities coordinator, saying: “Thank you so much, Charlotte. It was a fantastic event.”
Stephy Mathews, home manager at Buxton Lodge, said: “Our residents and families remembered Chantel so fondly and had been asking about her since she moved to Cyprus, so when we heard she was coming back to England for a visit, we knew we had to make the most of it.
“The team decided to make it a real occasion and the Mardi Gras theme was perfect. Everyone loved making their masks and then seeing the surprise performance.
“It was particularly special because it was somebody our residents already
