![Stannah Logo [Link to homepage]](http://www.stannah.com/templates/NixonMcInnes_Stannah/images/logo.gif){kind=logo}
03.04.08
For the Love of Lighthouses
Vanessa Langley (57), from Devon, enjoyed her Easter break on a secluded, rugged island off the coast of Cornwall to satisfy a long-standing obsession with lighthouses, courtesy of Stannah Stairlifts’ Think Again Fund. Flown in by helicopter from the launch site at Hartford Point, Vanessa made the 11 mile journey to Lundy Island, where she spent three days exploring the remote landmark lighthouse that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Vanessa, who works for a local charity in her home town of Dawlish, has long held a love of history and the sea. Both passions have led to a particular fascination of lighthouses – a hobby that has taken up every spare moment she’s had over the last 10 years.
Vanessa has travelled throughout the British Isles and Brittany building rapport with all the lighthouse keepers who litter the coasts, gaining insight into their experiences and isolated existences. It was these meetings that inspired Vanessa to write to Stannah Stairlifts with her unique wish to spend the night in a lighthouse.
Lundy Lighthouse, although no longer functioning, was built after a series of shipwrecks around Lundy Island in the 1700’s, and is now in use as accommodation. Stannah Stairlifts has arranged for Vanessa to stay in the keeper’s quarters which have kept their original design, detail and functional character, and overlook the menacing waters from the highest point of Lundy.
The Think Again Fund was launched by Stannah Stairlifts in response to a poll they conducted amongst the over 50’s that revealed only 13% feel they are achieving their life goals and two thirds regret not having pursued their dreams when younger.
The fund has been gathering pace and reputation over the last 15 months and has seen Derek, 80, skydiving; Richard, 74, and registered blind, abseiling and rock climbing; and Mary, 69, racing around a track in a Lotus Esprit.
"The Think Again Fund is such a lovely idea that gives people of my age group a chance to experience exciting possibilities that we only ever dream about and think we’re past doing.” Vanessa said, “Living in the Lower Light House was fantastic and gave me the opportunity to really see what it would have been like for a family living there in the 18th century. On my final night I went up the tower with only a candle for light, which made for a very dramatic evening with the wind battering the tower and the sea crashing on the cliffs – truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
Stannah Stairlift’s Managing Director, Jon Stannah, commented: "It’s Stannah's pleasure and privilege to give Vanessa this opportunity, and all Think Again Fund winners who embark on adventures they’ve only ever dreamt about. We want to encourage older people to think again about their capabilities and ambitions and, ultimately, their independence. I believe it has done this very successfully so far and experiences like Vanessa's will make people realise that ambitions can become a reality."
Over 50’s can apply to the fund and one person is selected at random each month for Stannah to help make a life-long dream come true.
The application form can be obtained by calling 020 7861 2430 or downloaded by clicking here and one person each month will be selected.
Vanessa, who works for a local charity in her home town of Dawlish, has long held a love of history and the sea. Both passions have led to a particular fascination of lighthouses – a hobby that has taken up every spare moment she’s had over the last 10 years.
Vanessa has travelled throughout the British Isles and Brittany building rapport with all the lighthouse keepers who litter the coasts, gaining insight into their experiences and isolated existences. It was these meetings that inspired Vanessa to write to Stannah Stairlifts with her unique wish to spend the night in a lighthouse.
Lundy Lighthouse, although no longer functioning, was built after a series of shipwrecks around Lundy Island in the 1700’s, and is now in use as accommodation. Stannah Stairlifts has arranged for Vanessa to stay in the keeper’s quarters which have kept their original design, detail and functional character, and overlook the menacing waters from the highest point of Lundy.
The Think Again Fund was launched by Stannah Stairlifts in response to a poll they conducted amongst the over 50’s that revealed only 13% feel they are achieving their life goals and two thirds regret not having pursued their dreams when younger.
The fund has been gathering pace and reputation over the last 15 months and has seen Derek, 80, skydiving; Richard, 74, and registered blind, abseiling and rock climbing; and Mary, 69, racing around a track in a Lotus Esprit.
"The Think Again Fund is such a lovely idea that gives people of my age group a chance to experience exciting possibilities that we only ever dream about and think we’re past doing.” Vanessa said, “Living in the Lower Light House was fantastic and gave me the opportunity to really see what it would have been like for a family living there in the 18th century. On my final night I went up the tower with only a candle for light, which made for a very dramatic evening with the wind battering the tower and the sea crashing on the cliffs – truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
Stannah Stairlift’s Managing Director, Jon Stannah, commented: "It’s Stannah's pleasure and privilege to give Vanessa this opportunity, and all Think Again Fund winners who embark on adventures they’ve only ever dreamt about. We want to encourage older people to think again about their capabilities and ambitions and, ultimately, their independence. I believe it has done this very successfully so far and experiences like Vanessa's will make people realise that ambitions can become a reality."
Over 50’s can apply to the fund and one person is selected at random each month for Stannah to help make a life-long dream come true.
The application form can be obtained by calling 020 7861 2430 or downloaded by clicking here and one person each month will be selected.
