IF you had one wish what would it be?
Well for one 91-year-old Yelverton resident, her wish is to be a catwalk model — but for that dream to become a reality she needs support from local businesses — and two male models to escort her.
Mona Cook, who lives at The Red House Residential Home in Yelverton, was asked if there was one thing she wished she would have done or seen, and her response was simple — to model in a 'gorgeous' outfit walking down the catwalk.
At The Red House a 'Wishing Well' has been established for everyone living at the home. It enables all residents to pen down their 'one wish' and each month a wish is plucked from the well and their dream is brought to life.
Mona, who is originally from Hertfordshire, said: 'My desire to be on a catwalk all started when I was quite young and we would make dresses out of crepe paper, as we couldn't afford material in those days, and walk around in our "new" outfits.
'I would love to wear a nice posh frock and have my hair done and get all glammed up for a day!
'I need to use my mobility frame to keep my balance but I don't want to use it to go down the catwalk. I want whoever helps me to know that my balance is off — but going down a catwalk would be such a boost to my confidence.'
Nikki Challinor, the care manager for The Red House, said: 'I think Mona's wish is such a good idea — it is something unusual and not a suggestion you would expect from a 91-year-old.
'What we would like is one or two nice young men to help her down the catwalk so she doesn't have to use her frame.
'We are also hoping some boutique will come forward and offer her a chance to go down a catwalk wearing a lovely outfit.
'We are having a fete in the summer so we could have her model then, but it would be nice to involve Mona in an arranged catwalk, not just during the fete. We won't be too demanding to say that Mona should have her own catwalk, but it would be nice for her to have centre stage or maybe open a local fashion show. This is in its early stages so any suggestions would be grateful.
Nikki said staff at The Red House hoped they would be able to organise exciting new experiences for all their residents.
'We are also looking for a snake charmer and for anyone well connected with royalty, as a visit from one of the Princes is a big wish for many of the people who live with us.'
If anyone can help make Mona's wish come true with either the outfits, or being one of two James Bond look-a-likes to escort her down the runway, call Nikki on 01822 854376.