Brook Court sends-off riders on gruelling 800-mile charity bike ride

Home news

May 31, 2019

Residents and team members at a local care home played their part in a nationwide fundraising drive as part of Care UK’s pledge to raise thousands of pounds for three important charities through an initiative called Ride 800. 

Andrew Knight, chief executive of residential care, Jacqui White, marketing director, and Tony Weedon, strategic programme director, visited 26 homes as part of a 800-mile challenge.  

Brook Court, on Oldnall Road, was the 12th stop on the ride, which saw the riders spend 15 days out on the road. They cycled from Poole to Aberdeen – the locations of Care UK’s most sout

herly and northerly homes – to raise money for the Care Workers Charity, the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland.

The Kidderminster care home put on a warm welcome for the intrepid cyclists, with residents, relatives and well-wishers turning out to help the team along what proved to be a particularly hilly leg of the journey.

Residents who wanted to relive old cycling memories were also given a chance to have a go on the supported cycle which was taken to all 26 homes. The supported cycle allows two people to cycle side by side with only one rider having to pedal, and has proved very popular at all homes along the journey.

Once the 800-mile ride is over, the directors will present the supported cycle to the home that they think created the best themed decorated bike. 

Commenting on the residents’ involvement in Care UK’s Ride 800 initiative, Gillian Pratt, home manager at Brook Court, said: “Residents and colleagues have always been enthusiastic supporters of good causes, so when we learnt that we could help Care UK raise a five-figure sum for these three important charities, we jumped at the chance. We were really proud to host our directors visit.”

Andrew Knight said: “Even though all three of us have been putting in the training hours, I think it’s fair to say that the reality of such a challenge became very real very quickly, and it’s been a true test of our endurance both mentally and physically. A big motivating factor has been the inspiring efforts of the homes we visited and their creativity and energies in planning special fund-raising events and activities. Residents and our colleagues are well known for their warm and friendly welcomes which have been key to keeping our motivation levels high, and so I’d like to say thank you to everyone at the 26 homes, and in our Colchester support office, for joining in with our fundraising so enthusiastically.”