DREAM WRITE UP: Andrew Thompson
The Rocky Horror Birthday Dream
A Dream doesn’t always need to be something brand new, sometimes it can be about recapturing a moment, and sharing it with those you love. The below is Andrews story of, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”:
“Andrew was diagnosed with a Grade 3 brain tumour in 2005. The day after diagnosis he had a partial surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He’d been suffering for a while with severe headaches. He didn’t think it was serious so didn’t do anything about it until friends insisted he went to the doctor’s.
Prior to this Andrew led a busy lifestyle which included following the “Rocky Horror Picture Shows” around the country. He went with friends and his sister, they all got dressed up and sneaked rice and water pistols into the theatres to throw and spray at designated parts of the show. They even threw a “RIP end of the tour” party at their home, and all got dressed up and Andrew’s sister made a special Rocky cake. He really enjoyed these times, and they are lovely memories for him and his family and friends.
Twenty years later Andrew is now terminally ill. Up until a year ago, Andrew ran a walking club. He organised the walks, planned the routes, food and drink stops and made sure it was accessible and safe for his walkers.
Andrew celebrated his 60th Birthday in July this year and this made celebrating his birthday especially important. He can no longer live alone and now receives 24-hour care.
As friends and family, we wanted to do something not just special but memorable for him and surrounded by his family and friends, enjoying all his favourite things. When the idea of a viewing in his garden of The Rocky Horror show was suggested, we jumped at it, but in true Eve Merton Dreams Trust fashion it wasn’t just a viewing.
It was in a marquee on a big screen. The decorations were amazing and so was the detail. The volunteers all got dressed up in Rocky Horror outfits to add to the experience and looked fantastic! There was food and drinks, including the special “Damn It Janet” drink (which they have in the film) served from a bar, popcorn from the popcorn machine was available and sweet bags for the showing. During the interval ice cream was served on a theatre style tray.
They made sure Andrew was comfortable in his own chair, which would have been important to Andrew so he could relax and enjoy the film better without being uncomfortable. This was thoughtful and was very much appreciated by Andrew. Andrew’s niece made prop bags so through the film we could join in the fun as they did many years ago.
Photos were taken throughout and an album was made for Andrew to relive his night after the event. Something to always treasure. A Rocky Horror themed birthday cake was made, and Andrew was thrilled with it.
When the idea of The Rocky Horror themed party was suggested, we couldn’t have imagined how great it was going to be. Andrew had an amazing night, he still knew every word to every song, and a lot of the dialogue. His friends said he was like his old self during the screening. As soon as Andrew got dressed up you could tell he was going to have a great night. All his friends he used to go with to see the shows came from around the country, which was special. Sadly, his sister passed away over recent years but I’m sure she was there in spirit, she would have absolutely loved it.
So much hard work went into making this dream for Andrew. It was a really enjoyable night. Everyone had a great time and made lovely memories. Andrew still mentions it and his face lights up when he sees the photos. A big thankyou to Eve Merton Dreams Trust for allowing this to happen, but a special thank you for all the hard work which was put into this by his Dream Coordinators, Shiree, Jason and Aiden.
We are forever grateful.”
