'It was just lovely' - Special motorbike surprise for ex-police sergeant, 89, now living in West Sussex care home

The former Sussex Police sergeant was part of the motorcycle display team, and used to ride as part of his operational duties.

Alan joined the force in 1961 and retired in 1991, having served in Worthing, Shoreham, and Brighton.

Living with Alzheimer's at Croft Meadow care home in Steyning, Colbourne had all but left behind the roads he patrolled for decades – until a special surprise on Friday (November 14) brought his past vividly back to life.

Andy Newman, equality and wellbeing lead at the Sussex Police Federation, arranged the visit after being contacted by Alan’s daughter, Amanda.

"Amanda wondered if we could get someone in uniform to pop in with a bike, in uniform,” Andy said. “I thought we can definitely do that.”

PC Dan Pattenden, who was approaching last day of duty after 30 years of service, agreed to bring one of his road policing bikes.

As it was raining, the care home staff allowed for the vehicle to be brought into the lobby.

Andy explained: “We spent an hour with Alan, going through his scrapbooks, his cuttings from his career. We had a cup of tea and some Jaffa Cakes. It was just really nice to listen to his stories.

"Dementia is such a cruel condition, but you could see he came out of himself with it. Getting him on the motorbike just rolled back time for him.

"You see a lot of negativity around the police, but this was a really positive thing. It made my week. It was just really nice seeing him smile.”

Amanda described the visit as deeply moving.

“Dad’s got Alzheimer’s, but that time of his life stays with him,” she explained.

"I made him a memory book of his National Service in the RAF and his police photographs. Then my mum had this idea: wouldn’t it be lovely if he could see a police motorbike again?

"It was such a big part of his life. PC Dan and the federation were amazing. They treated him like a professional equal, and he remembered so much – his police number, the details of the bikes, the mechanical aspects. It was stimulating for him.”

The visit included modern touches too.

“Dan talked him through sat-nav systems and how the radios work now, because he didn’t have any of that when he was riding,” Amanda said.

"The uniforms had changed. They made comparisons between the old days and now. It was just lovely.”

Chief Constable Jo Shiner also sent a signed postcard to Alan, thanking him for his service.

The visit even inspired another family celebration – with Alan and his 85-year-old wife, Shirley, due to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary on Boxing Day.

"Dad wants to renew their vows,” Amanda said. “So now I’m arranging a celebrant over Christmas.”