Shetland Pony Brings Joy to Cloverleaf Care Home with Drop Dead Generous Initiative

In a world that could use a little more kindness, Drop Dead Generous is rewriting the rules of generosity. Co-founded by John Sweeney, the man behind the global kindness movement Suspended Coffees, and Tom Cledwyn, a former Meta leader turned TED collaborator, Drop Dead Generous is on a mission to fund 1,000 outrageously kind ideas with $500 each over two years. Their mantra? No rules. No limits. Just pure, unfiltered kindness that sparks joy and connection.

Last Saturday, February 22nd, that mission came to life in the most unexpected and heart-warming way at Cloverleaf Care Home, part of the award-winning Tanglewood Care Homes. Thanks to the creative spark of Bailey Greetham-Clark, founder of BeGreatFitness, and the support of Rainbow Dreaming CIC, a miniature Shetland pony trotted into the care home, spreading smiles and creating unforgettable memories for its elderly residents.

A Day to Remember at Cloverleaf Care Home

Nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, Cloverleaf Care Home is known for its dedication to providing exceptional care and creating meaningful experiences for its residents. Overlooking the scenic West Common and boasting facilities such as a tea room, nail bar, home cinema, and vibrant activity calendar, Cloverleaf ensures its residents enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. But on this particular Saturday, something truly special happened.

Bailey Greetham-Clark partnered with Rainbow Dreaming CIC, an organisation specialising in therapeutic animal visits, to bring a miniature Shetland pony into the care home. The pony’s arrival was met with awe and excitement as it made its way through communal lounges and private rooms, offering each resident a chance to interact with this gentle creature.

Bailey shared his heartfelt reflections on the day:

““It was truly heartwarming to witness the smiles on the residents’ faces. Bringing a Shetland pony into the care home was a wonderful departure from our usual seated exercise sessions, and seeing the joy it brought to these remarkable individuals filled me with an immense sense of happiness. Being able to share such special moments with them is an experience I will always cherish.”

The initiative proved that sometimes it’s the simplest gestures of kindness—like introducing a gentle animal into someone’s day—that leave the deepest impact.

 

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A post shared by Bailey Greetham (@bailey_greetham)

The Power of Outrageous Kindness

For John Sweeney and Tom Cledwyn of Drop Dead Generous, this initiative exemplifies their vision of generosity in action. Reflecting on Bailey’s idea, they said:

“Care homes and Shetland ponies aren’t something you get to mix every day, so we LOVED this idea from Bailey to do something Drop Dead Generous for the elderly. Bringing a Shetland pony into a care home isn’t just a visit; it’s a moment of pure joy, nostalgia, and connection, proving that kindness can show up in the most unexpected (and fluffiest) ways. Our elderly deserve these magical moments, reminding them just how valued, cherished, and special they truly are.”

This initiative is just one example of how Drop Dead Generous is turning small acts into big waves of generosity. By funding creative ideas like Bailey’s through their $500 grants, they’re proving that kindness knows no bounds—and that it can come in any shape or size (even pint-sized ponies).

About Drop Dead Generous

Drop Dead Generous launched on World Kindness Day 2024 with one simple goal: make kindness contagious. Through their innovative program, they’re empowering individuals around the globe to dream up bold and creative ways to make an impact in their communities. Whether it’s a small gesture or an outrageous act of generosity, Drop Dead Generous is here to fund it—and share those stories with the world.

As John Sweeney explains in his inspiring TEDx talk “Why Kindness Matters”, kindness creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial act. And with initiatives like this one at Cloverleaf Care Home, those ripples are turning into waves of positivity across communities worldwide.

The Healing Power of Animal Therapy

Animal therapy has long been recognised for its ability to uplift spirits and improve emotional well-being—especially in care settings like Cloverleaf. Organisations like Rainbow Dreaming CIC specialise in bringing animals into environments where their presence can have profound effects on mental health and social interaction.

The miniature Shetland pony’s visit provided sensory engagement through touch and interaction while fostering emotional growth through nonjudgmental companionship. Even residents who are typically reserved or withdrawn found themselves smiling and engaging with others—a testament to the transformative power of these gentle creatures.

About Cloverleaf Care Home

Located on Long Leys Road in Lincoln, Cloverleaf Care Home is part of Tanglewood Care Homes’ network of high-quality facilities across Lincolnshire. With 72 spacious ensuite rooms, beautiful communal areas, and tailored care plans for each resident, Cloverleaf is committed to promoting comfort, safety, and happiness for all who call it home. Rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Cloverleaf offers care services ranging from residential care to dementia support and palliative care—all delivered by a compassionate team dedicated to enriching lives every day.

Join the Movement

Do you have an outrageously kind idea? Drop Dead Generous wants to hear it! Head over to dropdeadgenerous.org to share your idea and apply for funding. Whether it’s wild, weird, or wonderfully heart-warming—this is your chance to make someone’s day (or year) brighter.

For more information about Rainbow Dreaming CIC’s animal therapy programs or Tanglewood Care Homes’ commitment to exceptional care experiences, visit:

• Rainbow Dreaming CIC
• Tanglewood Care Homes

*For media enquiries, please email Tanglewood Care Homes at info@twhealthcare.co.uk.