A 93-YEAR-OLD man with dementia embarked on a 300-mile round trip to attend his granddaughter's wedding – thanks to a helping hand from a care worker.

Frank Campbell, a former electrical engineer in the RAF, made the journey from Colten Care’s Fernhill home in Ferndown to the Bedfordshire village of Felmersham, accompanied by care home team member Ann Marie Knight.

Mr Campbell's family had expressed a heartfelt wish that he could be there in person when his granddaughter Jessica got married but knew the distance, coupled with his age and health needs, would make it a challenge.

They asked if any team members at Fernhill would be prepared to escort him to make it possible.

Ms Knight said: “I came forward as I knew I would love to do this for Frank and he would be so pleased to attend such a precious family occasion.”

A taxi ordered by the family arrived at Fernhill to collect Frank and Ann Marie at 8.30am on the wedding day.

The trip took two-and-a-half hours and the pair arrived in time for the ceremony at Felmersham’s St Mary’s Church.

“When we got to the church, we found we were seated right at the front,” said Ms Knight. “Frank’s comment was ‘how lovely’ and when he saw Jessica, he said how beautiful she looked. She beamed him a big smile when she was at the top of the aisle.”

With everyone following Covid-safe guidance, Mr Campbell and his granddaughter were able to take some time together between the ceremony and the start of the reception, held at the 17th century Bedfordshire manor house and events venue Tofte Manor.

“They had a hug and a brief kiss on the cheek as the guests were gathering in the garden," said Ms Knight. "It was such a beautiful moment. He looked so smart in his suit. Then all his family gathered round to see him and speak with him. His children said it made the whole family’s day to have Frank there.”

After the reception, the Fernhill resident and employee made the trip back to Dorset, arriving at 10pm.

“He was tired but so pleased to have been a part of such a special day,” said Ms Knight. “The family all made me feel so welcome too. They were so kind and considerate.”

Born in Whitehaven, Cumbria, in 1927, Frank first worked in the RAF before retraining as a dental surgeon. He and his late wife Jeanie had five children: Fiona, Francis, Catherine and twins Helen and Andrew.