Arbroath care home residents received Easter ‘virtual hugs’ from TV presented Ade Adepitan and singer Linda Harrison.
The couple, who were married in 2018, delivered a video message to Balhousie Monkbarns home in the Angus town through care assistant Fiona Brown, who knows them.
Ade, a wheelchair basketball player and presenter on numerous TV shows, and Edinburgh-born singer Linda – who goes by the name Elle Exxe – praised the staff for their work.
“We just wanted to send you our love and send you the best during these really strange times. Thank you for all the hard work that the care workers are doing,” said the 47-year-old, whose television work has included Paralympic Games and Winter Paralympics coverage.
His wife, Linda added: “And lots of love to the residents too. We know you might be missing loved ones right now but we’re hoping you see each other soon.”
The pair signed off the pick-me-up message with a rendition of the Bobby McFerrin song Don’t Worry Be Happy and a message to residents to “Stay well and stay safe.”
Care assistant Fiona said: “I know Linda and Ade through my sister, who is Linda’s sister-in-law.
“I was at work and thought, you know what, a wee positive message from someone famous and outwith the home might help to spread some positivity and let residents and staff know that there are many people out there thinking of them.”
Monkbarns is part of the Balhousie Care Group, which runs 26 homes across Scotland.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Our care home teams are working incredibly hard right now to ensure that life in our homes remains as close to normal as possible for our residents.
“They’re also being extremely supportive of each other, in exceptional circumstances.
“We’re very proud of our staff, and thankful to Fiona for reaching out to Ade and Elle.”
