Veteran, 104, puts Macclesfield care home in award final

Prestbury House, the care home on Prestbury Road in Macclesfield, has been named a finalist for the Life Story and Reminiscence Award, and the reason is one resident: Jim Collorick, who is 104 and served in the Royal Navy through the Second World War.

The home says it has spent the past year helping Jim share and celebrate that part of his life. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on 22 January 2027.

Telegraphist on HMS Hesperus

Jim served as a radio operator and telegraphist, including aboard HMS Hesperus, according to the home. In March the Royal Navy told his story as one of Britain’s last U-boat hunters, drawing on his memories of the Battle of the Atlantic and his part in the sinking of the German submarine U-357 on Boxing Day 1942.

The staff at Prestbury House have kept those memories, and his links with the Navy, part of everyday life in the home and in the wider community.

A 104th birthday with the Navy in the room

When Jim turned 104, the home brought together his family, fellow residents, local veterans and representatives from the Royal Navy and the Royal British Legion. He also received a handwritten letter from the Admiral of the Royal Navy, recognising his service and marking the birthday.

Tracy Cumberbatch, Activities Lead at Prestbury House, said:

“Jim’s incredible experiences serving in the Royal Navy during the Second World War have provided so many opportunities to reminisce, share memories and connect with others. To see Jim surrounded by his family, fellow veterans and members of the armed forces community on his 104th birthday was incredibly special.

“Receiving a handwritten letter from the Admiral of the Royal Navy made the occasion even more meaningful. We’re delighted that this award recognises the importance of keeping stories like Jim’s alive and at the heart of life at Prestbury House.”

What the award is for

The Life Story and Reminiscence Award recognises person-centred work in care: getting to know residents as individuals, learning about the lives they have lived, and finding ways to bring those stories into daily life in the home.

For the team at Prestbury House, the home says, keeping Jim’s story alive is about more than looking back. His memories are a way to connect generations and bring the local community together, and to make sure his experiences are remembered and valued.

Lucy Wood, Activities Assistant, said:

“We are incredibly proud and honoured that Prestbury House has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Life Story and Reminiscence Award. Jim’s story is a wonderful example of why celebrating residents’ life stories is such an important part of what we do.”

About Prestbury House

Prestbury House is part of Porthaven Care Homes and provides 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. It is on Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3GR (Porthaven, checked 12 October 2026). The home can be reached on 01625 324688.

We will report the result after the ceremony on 22 January.

Have a story from your care home, school, club or charity? Send us your news.