An intrepid team of fundraisers from a Wixams care home battled through this summer’s heatwave to raise over £2,800 for dementia research.
Ten members of the team from Elstow Manor Care Home, on Bedford Road, travelled to the Cotswolds to compete in a 13-mile Alzheimer’s Society challenge, ‘Trek 26’, in 30-degree temperatures.
Team Elstow, led by Home Manager Ramona Stanciu, were inspired to complete the challenge by their experiences caring for residents and loved ones living with dementia.
Customer Relations Manager Val Foley said that their experience in the extreme heat of the Cotswolds was unforgettable and emotional.
Val said: “We knew Trek 26 would push us to the limit, but none of us expected 30-degree heat and a gruelling route that took us up and down hilly terrain!
“I have never felt exhaustion like I did on that day – it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically. But I would do it all again as it is a cause very close to my heart, having lost my mum to dementia.”
The team was joined by Aderio Rocha, Managing Director of Elstow Manor’s operator, Hamberley Care Homes, as well as Homemakers Gaynor Grimes and Matilda Boswell, and Lead Homemakers Sally Mitchell and Joyce Osaro.
Wellbeing Coach Oliver Waddington, Head Chef Ioana Cozma and Receptionist Isla McAllister made up the 10-strong team.
Everyone agreed that the weather added an extra dimension to the challenge, but beating the original fundraising target of £2,000 made every tough step worth it.
Ramona added: “It was the first time I have walked this far, and I found it very difficult in the high temperatures, but it was a fantastic show of team building, as everyone gave it 100%.
“Despite many of us thinking we couldn’t finish, the feeling of walking over the finish line was very emotional. We work with residents living with dementia every day, which makes charities like the Alzheimer’s Society so special to us.”
Together, the ten fundraisers donated a fantastic £2830 to the Alzheimer’s Society, helping to fund its vital work.
