Ilama's visit to grandma's Hereford home (From Ledbury Reporter)

Ilama's visit to grandma's Hereford home

8:00am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News

A GRANDMOTHER got up close and personal with two llamas during a surprise visit to her Hereford home.

Val Styles, of St James Road, grew up around llamas and alpacas in Yarkhill, so granddaughter Kelly Martin-Styles knew what the perfect birthday gift would be.

She originally arranged through the National Llama Association (NLA) for two llamas – Baccus and Bingo – to visit terminally ill Val at home on her 80th birthday later this month.

However, due to Val’s health the date had to be brought forward, and the NLA directed Kelly to Kingsley and Margaret Hawkins, two local llama keepers from Bodenham, who instead turned out to surprise Val earlier this month.

Kelly said: “On the day of the visit we brought Val into the hallway and the llamas were waiting happily on the driveway, and when she saw them she just gasped – she couldn’t believe it.

“One of the llamas walked up into the porch to see her so she could stroke him, which their guide said was strange as they had never been in a house before.

“It was like they knew they were there for her.

“We were going to surprise her with their visit on her 80th birthday on March 19, but thought we would bring it forward.

“The Hawkins family and the NLA were absolutely brilliant and brought them to us at the last minute and free of charge.

“We just want to thank them for everything they’ve done and for the wonderful day they gave us. It was so special for nan.

“We’ll have some lovely memories.”