Care home residents raise funds to mark Dementia Awareness Week

Residents and team members at an Epsom care home have put their best foot forward and raised almost £800 for a cause close to their hearts.  
 
The team at Care UK’s Appleby House, wanted to create an exciting fundraising activity for residents and their relatives, which everyone could participate in no matter what their walking ability might be – and so the ‘Appleby Chair to 5km Challenge’ was born.
 
With the aim of raising £300 for the Alzheimer's Society’s Dementia Action Week by completing a 5km walk within the home’s ground, residents and team members donned trainers and set out to have some fun and get their steps in.
 
The outdoor challenge saw 17 residents taking part, some covering just a few steps, others walking more. Residents enjoyed every moment of the challenge, and cheered on by relatives and team members, completed well over the target of 5km – making it to 13,124 steps, and smashing their fundraising goal, raising a total of £798.
 
Resident Milly said: “It felt wonderful to be able to raise money for a good cause, be part of something special and be able to help others”.
 
Shona Bradbury, Home Manager at Appleby House, said “A fantastic day was had by everyone involved – and I’m thrilled we raised such a wonderful amount for charity.
 
“One of the residents, who uses a frame, got to 70 steps then spurred herself on to go further and further, until she reached the road where she was cheered by some passing workmen. Another passer-by donated all the money in his pocket, which was a very heartening moment.
 
“The Alzheimer’s Society’s care and research to help people with dementia and their families is vital, and we hope this donation will play a part in supporting their invaluable work. We loved getting our steps in for a good cause, and we’re already looking forward to taking on our next challenge.”
 
Dementia Action Week, an initiative organised by the Alzheimer's Society, is a national event that inspires the public to come together to take action to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
 
To donate to the home’s fundraising challenge, please visit their online donation page. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Appleby_House&pageUrl=2
 
 
Appleby House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The modern care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.