'Dementia train' journeys return after five years
BBCFive years ago, the last "Forget-Me-Not" train ran along the Esk Valley Line between Whitby and Middlesbrough. Its passengers included people living with dementia and their family members and carers.
The 17-mile journey gave them the chance to enjoy the scenery of the North York Moors and meet other people.
The Covid pandemic halted the special carriages provided by operator Northern on the route, but this week the train returned for the first time since 2020.
Community group Esk Valley Railway organises the trips to give people living with dementia the chance to socialise and enjoy a day out in a safe environment. The carriage has live music, hand massages are offered and passengers are encouraged to bring a picnic with them. They can join the service at any point along the route, often with carers, support workers or relatives.
There are more Forget-Me-Not trains planned in May, July and September.
Among those travelling on Wednesday were Gordon and Sue Weldon, from Scarborough. Mrs Weldon was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia seven years ago, and the couple have been together for more than 40 years.
Mr Weldon said it was a "great opportunity" to meet other families in the same position.
"This is the first time we've been. Sue's enjoyed it, she can't tell me she's enjoyed it but I can tell by the way her eyes are going that she's having a nice time and I'm having a great time."
He added that the journey was a "welcome activity" for his wife.
"When somebody's got dementia it's important to keep them as active as you can, because sitting them in a chair in front of the television is not going to do anything to help them."
Also on board was Jean McWilliam, who used to volunteer for Grand Central at Northallerton Station. She was travelling with her daughter Ellie, who is also her carer, for fish and chips in Whitby.
Miss McWilliam said: "When I see her singing along to the songs on the train, you just see that spark in her eye and I know that the real her is there.
"I'm so grateful for opportunities like this, you can't beat it."
A group of patients and staff from St Cecilia's Care Group in Whitby joined the carriage, among them Tony Recchia.
He said: "You can't go wrong with it; the scenery is beautiful, we're lucky to be able to see it. There's nothing better in England than this area."
Esk Valley Railway is a community rail partnership set up to improve the line and foster better relationships between its users and operator Northern.
Its general manager, Lisa Williams, said the trip was about "putting smiles on people's faces" and letting those living with dementia and their carers connect with each other.
The next Forget-Me-Not trains run on 21 May, 16 July and 17 September.