Little did snooker legend Willie Thorne know when he was asked to open a new retirement development in his native Leicestershire that it would quickly become home to his own Mother.
Willie, who was born and breed in Leicestershire and now works as a BBC snooker commentator following the end of his professional career, was asked to perform the official opening of McCarthy & Stone's Pettifor Court development in Bradgate Road, Anstey, near Leicester.
And so impressed was the 57-year-old sporting star with the facilities at Pettifor Court that he had no hesitation in recommending the development to his Mum, Nancy, who ended up buying an apartment just a few months later.
That was in January 2010 and, according to Mrs Thorne, 84, it was: "The best thing I have ever done in my life".
Leicester-born Willie, whose television career also included appearances on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, said: "I opened Pettifor Court and went straight back to my mother who lived on her own in a bungalow in Thornton, which is also in Leicestershire.
"I told her that I wasn't trying to put her into a home but thought she would really love it there and it'd be better for her. Then I explained that I thought it was right up her street and she would have company because she was living by herself. So she came down to have a look and loved it. She moved in about six months later."
He added: "From my point of view, I have peace of mind knowing that she's there. I know she can pull a cord if she needs anybody. Her faculties are all there but she's a bit frail.
"The milk and papers are delivered and she can also have a Chinese takeaway delivered if she wants. She's got everything that she needs and she says she's really glad she moved there."
Mrs Thorne, who used to run a snooker club in Leicester with her three sons, had lived in her home in Thornton for 14 years.
She said: "I said I would never leave my bungalow as I had designed the interior, including the kitchen, and really loved it. But I was on my own and used to get lonely.
"Willie opened Pettifor Court and phoned me to say how nice it was and that it would be alright for me. He said I would love it and be safe there and offered to take me over to see it.
"He showed me the apartment and he was right - I did love it. I was still a bit dubious but then I fell in the bathroom in the night and couldn't get up off the floor for about two hours.
"That started me thinking so I went to have another look and decided to move here."
Mrs Thorne is convinced she made the right choice.
"The place is just beautiful and I am so happy here. It's the best thing I have ever done in my life. I was lonely before and there is also the security. I have never been afraid here, even on my own in the evening. My hip is going so I am not too good on my feet, but now I feel so safe."
Pettifor Court which comprises 47 one and two bedroom apartments is less than 500 yards from the centre of Anstey village, which is known as the 'gateway to Charnwood Forest'. There are only 6 apartments left for sale, so potential purchasers are urged to visit the development fast to avoid disappointment.
To find out more about the 6 remaining apartments at Pettifor Court and McCarthy & Stone's part exchange scheme, visit the show complex which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.00pm.
See Also: Property News (6705), McCarthy & Stone (410), Pettifor Court (7), Leicestershire (28), Anstey (7), Leicester (12)
Date Published: 16 November 2011
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