Care home resident, 97, ‘arrested' in birthday surprise
To mark Ms Clarke's birthday, the care home team got in touch with local Metropolitan Police officers who volunteered to take part in the surprise.
Maggie Clarke had joked that she had always wondered what it would be like to be arrested (Care UK/PA)
On the morning of her birthday, officers from Wood Green Police Station arrived at Elizabeth Lodge with a set of handcuffs and a spoof arrest warrant.
Ms Clarke gleefully put her hands together and smiled for the cameras as Pc Benjamin Flint 'arrested' her.
She was charged on the grounds of consistent speeding in her wheelchair.
'I have been too good for far too long, I think. It was definitely on my bucket list to be arrested by a handsome policeman,' said Ms Clarke.
'My list is complete, I loved it!'
Following her brief 'arrest', Ms Clarke was treated to a birthday cake and a party, where she shared stories of her younger years and entertained guests with lively anecdotes.
The Metropolitan Police said they were 'honoured' to take part in Ms Clarke's birthday celebrations.
Sergeant Eren Emin, from Oakwood Ward neighbourhood police team, said: 'We attended the care home with a birthday card signed by the teams across Enfield and some token gifts for Maggie, as well as making sure she was duly arrested for consistently speeding in her wheelchair.
'We were honoured to celebrate Maggie's birthday with her and hope we made her day.
'I'm proud of the efforts of my teams, who will always do their best to support our elderly residents wherever possible.'
Maggie Clarke said it was on her 'bucket list' to be arrested (Care UK/PA)
The stunt formed part of Elizabeth Lodge's Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper.
Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: 'Maggie has always had a lot of fun, but this was something else. She's really full of surprises!
'When we learned of Maggie's wish to be arrested, we were delighted to help make it happen. Care UK's Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and it's hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality – even if it means a run-in with the local police!
'It was really a great community effort, and it made Maggie's day that much more memorable for her and her family.
'I'd like to thank the Metropolitan Police for being wonderful sports and helping to fulfil Maggie's hilarious fantasy.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
22 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Kneecap rapper to appear in court for alleged support of terrorist group
A member of rap group Kneecap is due to appear in court for allegedly supporting a proscribed terror organisation. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. Demonstrations in support of the rapper have been organised outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where he is due to appear on Wednesday, as well as in Dublin. The Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court can take place on Wednesday, saying they were needed to 'prevent serious disruption'. In response the rap group described this move as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome' and 'asked supporters to go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful'. O hAnnaidh received a rockstar welcome when he appeared at the same court in June, supported by fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh. He was greeted by a festival-like atmosphere for his first court appearance, with dozens of fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister. The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, was a 'wholly different thing'. O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge.
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Kneecap rapper to appear in court for alleged support of terrorist group
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. Demonstrations in support of the rapper have been organised outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where he is due to appear on Wednesday, as well as in Dublin. The Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court can take place on Wednesday, saying they were needed to 'prevent serious disruption'. In response the rap group described this move as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome' and 'asked supporters to go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful'. O hAnnaidh received a rockstar welcome when he appeared at the same court in June, supported by fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh. He was greeted by a festival-like atmosphere for his first court appearance, with dozens of fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister. The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, was a 'wholly different thing'. O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge.
Rhyl Journal
2 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Kneecap rapper to appear in court for alleged support of terrorist group
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. Demonstrations in support of the rapper have been organised outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where he is due to appear on Wednesday, as well as in Dublin. The Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court can take place on Wednesday, saying they were needed to 'prevent serious disruption'. In response the rap group described this move as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome' and 'asked supporters to go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful'. O hAnnaidh received a rockstar welcome when he appeared at the same court in June, supported by fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh. He was greeted by a festival-like atmosphere for his first court appearance, with dozens of fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister. The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, was a 'wholly different thing'. O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge.
