Care Home’s Favourite Llama Receives BBC Make a Difference Award Nomination

Sundial Care Home is thrilled to discover that their regular guest and beloved therapy llama, Harry, has been shortlisted for the BBC Make a Difference Award in the animal category. 12-year-old therapy llama Harry, and his brother George have been regular visitors at Sundial Care Home in Sidmouth for a while and have recently made quite a name for themselves.

Previously rescued from dire conditions, Harry and George now live with Maggie Jee, owner and Managing Director of Llamas4Good CIC, a non-profit community interest company in Sidmouth. Despite his rough start in life, therapy llama Harry has provided solace and companionship for Sundial and his love for cuddles, a rarity for llamas, has made him a favourite among the family members.

The rise to fame began earlier this year when Harry and George caught the attention of The BBC Spotlight Devon for their visits to Sundial Care Home and presence on their social media. The pair had their TV debut, but still remained humble as ever whilst continuing their regular visits to the home.

Owner Maggie expressed “I then decided to nominate Harry for the BBC Make a Difference Award because he truly makes a difference in so many people’s lives, especially those in care settings. It is amazing that despite such a bad start in life, he has learned not just to trust humans, but to actually enjoy helping them.” To the delight of Maggie and everyone at Sundial, Harry has been shortlisted as a finalist.

Recently, Harry’s contributions were showcased when Jo Loosemore from BBC Radio Devon visited Sundial Care Home during their annual Care Home Open Day to see Harry at work. Jo witnessed first-hand his remarkable demeanour and the happiness he brings to everyone he interacts with. Notably, Jo was impressed that Harry was able to walk around freely up and down the hallways which delighted family members who were unable to make it to the lounge – whilst his brother George preferred to lounge in the sun.

Harry’s visits, along with George’s, have become an essential and highly anticipated part of life at Sundial Care Home. The llamas’ presence not only brings comfort to the family members, but also creates meaningful connections between community members. Sundial Care Home eagerly await the final results and look forward to welcoming their celebrity four-legged friends through their doors again.

To discover more about Sundial Care Home, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/