Care home resident, 94, in tears after receiving cushion printed with his late wife's photo
A 94-year-old care home resident has captured the hearts of the nation after bursting into tears when a carer gifted him a cushion with his late wife’s picture on it.
Ken Benbow lost his wife of 71 years, Aida, just nine months ago, and has since fallen asleep next to a picture of her in a glass frame each night.
His care worker Kia Tobin, 17, wanted to make sure the navy veteran could cuddle up to his loved one once more, so kindly presented him a cushion with a picture of Aida on it.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday morning, the Royal Navy veteran had fans sobbing as he praised his carer for her kind gesture.
“I am going to cry if I keep on, as it was so touching,” he told the show, holding back tears.
“It was lovely – the most precious thing anyone could ever wish for.”
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'It was so touching. It was the most precious thing anyone could have wished for.'
94-year-old Ken expresses his gratitude for the meaningful gift he received from his carer Kia Tobin.
This brought a tear to our eyes 😢@piersmorgan | @susannareid100 | #GMB pic.twitter.com/QRLw42YI7Z— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) April 21, 2020
He went on to explain that he and his wife never wanted to come to a nursing home, but as soon as they arrived at Thistleton Lodge care home in Preston, Lancashire, they loved it instantly.
Benbow broke down while talking to presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, explaining that he had met his wife in Liverpool at a dance, and that they were “made for each other”.
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During the interview, which was meant to last five minutes but went on to last 20, his carer spoke about the moment she gave him the gift: “It was amazing. It was just so rewarding. It was something small that made him so happy.”
The 17-year-old has recently moved into the care home amid the coronavirus pandemic to help look after the residents.
The touching moment was captured on camera and posted by the care home on Facebook.
It has since been viewed more than four million times – prompting a lot of praise for the teenager’s sweet gesture.
And following the GMB interview, Twitter lit up with people who were touched by the segment and those sharing their admiration for both of them.
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Hes so wonderful and what a lovely girl Kia is, just the sort of person you need in a care home, she seems so caring and sweet. Her family must be so proud
— SharonH (@SHW3077) April 21, 2020
I could listen to 'KEN' story's about the war forever..What an amazing Gentleman👏👏👏👏❤❤
— @morgdyl (@marklgreening) April 21, 2020
That's the best thing I have watched in a very long time wow wow god bless you sir, and God bless the carer as well, how emotional what a life
— Russell Simpson (@Bommer71) April 21, 2020
Benbow isn’t the only veteran who has won the hearts of the UK recently. Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore has raised more than £27 million for the NHS after completing 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire last week.
His efforts have captured the nation, with even royalty offering praise to the war hero. Prince William has made a private donation and described the veteran as an “absolute legend.”
He said: “It’s incredible, I did see it on the news the other night and I thought ‘Good on him’.
“It’s amazing and what I love also is that he’s a 99-year-old war vet who’s been around a long time, knows everything, and it’s wonderful that everyone kind of has been inspired by his story and his determination.”
News of William’s donation came as Boris Johnson confirmed he will look at ways to honour Capt Moore, with an online petition calling for a knighthood reaching 485,000 signatures.
