Isle of Wight teenager spreads Easter joy to care homes

Macie Edkins-Wherry has delivered Easter eggs and goody bags to 194 care home residents in the past couple of days.

The Easter treats will be enjoyed by residents at Blackwater Mill, Solent Grange, Abbeyfield, Merrydale, Fairhaven, Victoria House, Inver House, Inglefield and Sandown Nursing Home.

This is the fourth year Macie has delivered the gifts – starting when she was on a newspaper round wage – and she shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Macie delivering Easter treats to Island care home residents (Image: Contributions)

She said: “I want to keep doing it whilst I can. No matter how busy - I will fit in somehow.

“It makes me feel so happy and nice to do something for others and make them smile. It’s lovely to stop and chat to some of them every time I visit.”

Macie juggles part-time work, studying, performing in theatre and ballet, singing and dance lessons and classes, to put a smile on people’s faces.

Leah Wherry, lifestyles lead at Solent Grange, said: “Myself and the residents are so grateful for Macie giving gifts at Christmas and Easter.

“It brings so much joy to myself seeing their faces when you hand them the gift, and when they ask who it's from, I explain and tell them.

“Macie is like the gift that keeps on giving, she gives up her time and puts so much effort and thought into others. She is an amazing, bright young lady who is always giving back to the community, and I always welcome her into the home at Solent Grange.”

 Felicia Glover, manager at Merrydale Residential Home, added: “As always, it's a pleasure to see Macie for the fourth year in a row.

“The residents' faces light up when they see her - even Ginge the cat comes to welcome her!

“It's amazing that Macie is still using her own money to buy Easter eggs even though the cost of everything is going up. We are all very grateful.”