Sponsored walk for dementia friendly sensory garden

RESIDENTS and staff have raised hundreds of pounds for a dementia friendly sensory garden at their care home.

A 3.5-mile sponsored walk around Carr Ellison Park, in Hebburn, near Newcastle, generated more than £280 in sponsorship.

The funds will be used to buy a variety of plants and vegetables, raised flower beds and other multi-sensory items for the garden at Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West.

The sponsored walk was undertaken by residents, staff, family and friends of the home.

One of those was 75-year-old Harry West, who was joined by his granddaughter Samantha West, daughter Angela Groark, son Malcolm West and daughter-in-law Annemarie West.

Fellow resident Patricia Greig, 75, also took part in the walk. She said: “The park is beautiful. It’s great to see the squirrels running around they’re lovely. I have enjoyed my day.”

Christine Chandler, activities coordinator at Willowdene Care Home, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the family members for supporting the sponsored walk.

“The funds will go a long way to creating a sensory garden for our residents. 

“Gardening and being outside has a therapeutic effect on those living with dementia, so we look forward to making the most of our garden during the warmer, summer months.”

Willowdene Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.