LISTEN: Celebrating 30 years of quality care at The Sands in Morecambe

It has been a time of celebration and also reflection for a Morecambe care home as they reach the huge milestone of their 30th birthday.

The Sands recently marked its 30th anniversary with a celebration day at the care home on Marine Road East, attended by hundreds of staff, residents, families and colleagues from partner organisations.

For managing director Josh Wilson, whose parents Robert and Maureen founded The Sands in 1996, it was a day of immense pride.

"It was a time to reflect and look back on all the amazing moments we've had over the years, and the difficult moments too," said Josh.

"Thirty years is not a small feat. It's really important that we remember and recognise that, and be very proud to reach such a huge milestone."

LISTEN to Josh Wilson from The Sands

The Sands care home in Morecambe

The Sands was built on the site of the former Grand Hotel after Josh's parents bought the derelict land.

"Mum and dad started out with nothing except ambition and fire in their belly, and they worked and worked and worked," he said.

"They started in the care sector in the 1980s and went from there, and had drive and determination to build something big.

"The Sands was initially bult as 64 beds, and over time, we're now at 97 beds. It really started from their desire to grow and build and to achieve where we are now."

Josh, with support from his brother James and sister Amanda, has continued his parents' legacy, according to a simple principle.

"One thing my mum and dad have always lived by, is how would you expect your loved ones to be cared for?" he said.

"And if we're not doing that, then we're doing it wrong.

"They instilled that in us and we instil that in our staff. We want those values at the core of what we do, and to be reflected in our care."

A special birthday cake to mark 30 years of The Sands

Josh said there have been many changes over the years, as residents have more complex needs than 30 years ago and there have been large technological advances in the care sector, which he's been keen to embrace.

The Sands also had to deal with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which he said showed the team's resilience and ability to adapt.

"We have a fantastic management team, and also front line staff who have a wealth of experience," he said.

"I'm lucky enough to see extraordinary acts every day. They have to wear many hats, from being that reassuring voice in the morning to dealing with some complex care needs, and they take it in their stride. 

"We're very lucky to have some staff who have been with us since day one. They're a great group of people to work with. 

"It's a team effort to make somewhere as big as The Sands run. We are in effect a mini hospital. It also takes external colleagues from many different organisations who support us. We really are lucky to work with amazing people."

The Sands celebrated its 30th birthday with an event held at the care home on July 29, welcoming guests, partners and families to join residents and staff for a memorable day.

Greg Lambert, Roy Ward, Chris Denerley and Miss Harri Deane from Beyond Radio were delighted to join in the celebrations, alongside Beyond Bear.

To mark the occasion, long service awards have been given to staff members Adam, Anna, Anne, Christina, Elizabeth, Tracey, Maxine and Susan.

Here's Josh praising the staff at The Sands during his speech on the day

"We wanted to make an event fitting for the occasion but we also had a day job to get on with," said Josh.

"It was hugely important that everyone's care needs was still met and I'm really pleased we managed to do that."

As for the future, Josh says he, James and Amanda aim to carry "the energy, determination and drive, that our parents had before us, into the next 30 years".

Here are more photos from The Sands' 30th birthday celebrations.