Hollins Park send-off riders on gruelling 800-mile charity bike ride

Home news

May 22, 2019

Residents and team members at Hollins Park 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 an 800-mile challenge.  

Hollins Park was the 15th 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 southerly and northerly homes – to raise money for the Care Workers Charity, the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland.

The care home team put on a warm welcome for the intrepid cyclists with a selection of homemade cakes and tea. As well as hosting a celebratory event for the Ride 800 team and the fundraising venture, residents at the home also decorated a bicycle complete with life-size replicas of the cycling team.

They were also able to share details of their own fundraising ventures which will be added to the overall total. These included a sports day for residents and team members taking part in a 50-mile treadmill walk, as well as bake sales at the home. They raised a grand total of £470 to support the initiative. 

Residents who wanted to relive old cycling memories were also given a chance to have a go on the supported cycle which is being transported around all of the 26 homes. The supported cycle allows two people to cycle side by side with only one rider having to pedal.  It proved a very popular mode of transport while it was at the homes.

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

Commenting on the residents’ involvement in Care UK’s Ride 800 initiative, Tracy Norbury, home manager at Hollins Park said: “Many of the residents who live here have been quite involved in fundraising earlier in their life so they have enjoyed helping to raise money for the three good causes. And we had great fun decorating the bike which was much admired by Jacqui, Andrew and Tony.”

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 are visiting 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 has been key to keeping our motivation levels high and I’d like to say thank you to everyone in the 26 homes, and our Colchester support office, for joining in with our fundraising so enthusiastically.”