Tanya Mehta
Kolkatta • Age 15
Tanya Mehta was a 15 year old girl from Kolkatta. Brought up by a single mother who came to Lucknow through
the internet, Tanya had multiple disabilities. She could not speak, could barely walk and was mentally
challenged from birth. Several therapies had been tried but none worked. After visiting several homes, her
mother chose Cheshire Homes Lucknow due to independent cottages and an onsite physiotherapy center.
Tanya had fits and could not eat by herself. She had to be fed and helped with bathing and daily activities.
Tanya loved listening to music—when music played she moved joyfully in her chair; when it stopped she would
become still. She listened to the radio almost non-stop through the day.
While at Cheshire Homes, she underwent regular music therapy, physiotherapy and received the company of caring
staff who made it a point to talk to her even though she could not respond.
Julie Philip
Lucknow • Age 95
Julie Philip is a 95 year old lady from Lucknow. She worked with the Principal of La Martiniere College and is
the mother of three sons. She came to Cheshire Homes initially to help, but later stayed on as her back became
bent due to old age.
She was provided with care, physiotherapy and medical support. She also helped others at Cheshire Homes—escorting
residents to the hospital, making food for them and even doing stitching for them.
She has been in Cheshire Homes for 20 years and remains a source of tremendous encouragement for Cheshire Homes
Lucknow. God bless her.
Ajay Kumar Panday
Ballia • Age 48
Ajay Kumar is a 48 year old from Ballia. He studied in an Army school in Jabalpur, completed technician training
in ITI and worked as a technician for Indian Polyfiber Limited. He got married in 1991 but suffered a fit three
months later and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. His parents and brother abandoned him and left for Nepal.
Ajay stayed with his sister (a school teacher) who found out about Cheshire Homes and sent him here in 1996. He
has been with Cheshire Homes since and feels 70% cured after joining.
He helps in looking after people, maintains gardens, gets milk and gas, and performs odd jobs. He is also an extremely
talented singer and has been performing since childhood.
Yasmin Bano
Barabanki • Resident Story
“I was born in Sedanpur village in the Barabanki district approximately 30 km from Lucknow. When I was young I suffered from an
ailment known as Quadroporasis, an acute muscular dystrophy. I had finished the 7th standard, however as my hardships intensified,
I was not even able to sit, let alone stand up. My body was weak, immune system fragile and appetite almost non-existent.
My life changed entirely when I was admitted to Cheshire Homes Lucknow on 23rd April, 2003. A few months with healthy food and
exercise habits and I was on my own two feet again. I feel like I received a new lease on life. When I met my parents again they
were overjoyed. I could see my mother’s eyes welling up as she saw me walk towards her for the first time again.
I have now finished the 10th standard at a school in Lucknow. I am so grateful for what my teachers have done for me that I feel I
must do the same for others. I requested training and gained admission into a Nursery Teacher’s Training Course. I will be forever
grateful to those who have helped me and made me feel alive once again.”
She is now employed as a Cashier at the Army Canteen and is financially independent.
