A compassionate Bedford district nurse has helped turn a care home hatching project into a heartfelt family tribute - by giving a brood of newly hatched chicks a loving new home.
Stefania Scinto, a dedicated community nurse was thrilled to adopt the chicks from Richmond Manor Care Home after sharing her personal story with staff.
Stefania chose to take them in as a meaningful gift for her grandmother, following the sudden loss of her grandfather just before Easter last year.
She said: “My nan grew up on a farm in Italy, where her love for animals began in childhood and has stayed with her ever since.
“A few years ago, she started raising chickens and we currently have a wonderful flock of them in her back garden. My nan loves attending to the chickens. She enjoys their company, their different personalities, and how they run up to her every morning for food!
“After losing my grandfather suddenly just before Easter last year, I wanted to give her something truly meaningful, so I chose to home these chicks as a special gift, hoping to bring a little light back into her life.”
The eggs were hatched at the Dunstable Street care home as part of the Living Eggs hatching programme, which gives residents the chance to care for eggs and watch them hatch into chicks.
Centenarian and resident Leslie Winter was delighted the chicks would be going to such a caring home. His family kept chickens when he was a child.
Richmond Manor Home Ambassador Stephanie England said: “We’ve been involved in the hatching programme for a number of years and it’s always such a thrill to care for the eggs and then to see the amazing chicks.
“We get so attached to them, so when Stefania said she would take them, we were delighted – as now we can receive regular photos and updates – and know they have gone to a wonderful home.”
Stefania added: “I have so much respect for the Living Eggs hatching programme, their compassion and commitment to caring for these animals and finding them safe, loving homes is genuinely inspiring.
“Being able to support something like this while also doing something special for my nan makes it even more meaningful.”