Couple recreate first date at Leicestershire railway

A couple from Leicestershire have enjoyed a nostalgic journey on the Great Central Railway after a home care worker nominated them for a special surprise.

Linda and Phil Jones, have enjoyed a trip down memory lane on the Great Central Railway .

Linda, who receives regular home care support from the team at Caremark Hinckley, Bosworth & Blaby, was selected as one of just 20 recipients across the UK to have a personal wish granted through the company’s Care for a Wish initiative – a national campaign launched to celebrate Caremark’s 20th anniversary.

The couple first met in 2001 before marrying in 2008. Their first date took place on a train, a memorable beginning to a new chapter. Sadly, at the age of 64, Linda was diagnosed with dementia and is now reliant on Caremark and her husband Phil for everything. Phil has devoted himself to caring for Linda, supporting her through every challenge and ensuring she feels safe, supported and cherished every day.

As they need to use special taxis to go anywhere, it is difficult for them to get out together. Sally Baxter, Linda’s main carer at Caremark Hinckley, Bosworth & Blaby, nominated Linda for the Caremark wish to help recreate that magical first date 25 years ago.

Commenting on the wish, Sally explained:

“I was chatting to Phil, who told me he would love to take Linda on the Great Central Railway for a meal, as that was what they did on their first date. Their story is one of enduring love, resilience and dedication. Phil’s steadfast care and Linda’s enduring spirit are a testament to the strength of their relationship and the promises they made to each other. That’s why I nominated Linda for the Care for a Wish campaign – a chance for them to have a real treat together.”

The trip, which took place on 4^th July 2026, was on The Carolean, a premier, first-class dining train experience operated by the Great Central Railway, offering a luxury, leisurely lunch while taking in the sights of the Charnwood countryside near Loughborough.

 Linda and Phil said:

“It was a really special day for us both. Not only was it lovely to be able to go and do something together, but it also brought back wonderful memories of our first date. Thank you to Sally for nominating us and to Caremark for giving us a day we will treasure for a long time.”

David Glover, CEO of Caremark, talked about the importance of the initiative:

“It’s incredibly humbling to be able to grant these wishes for the people we care for. Every single entry we received was meaningful, and the ones we’ve been able to fulfil have been especially poignant. These wishes are all about giving our customers opportunities to have moments of joy and connection and to create new memories that will be cherished.

“Making experiences happen for our wonderful customers like Linda and Phil is a complete privilege. It speaks to the very essence of who we are as a home care provider — committed to enhancing quality of life, not just meeting care needs.

“This campaign isn’t just a celebration of 20 years, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. We’re here to support people’s wellbeing, dignity and joy as we all believe life is for living, not just existing.”