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

Home news

May 22, 2019

Residents and team members at Stanley 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.  

Stanley Park was the 21st 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 residents cheering the cyclists on and local brass band, the Craghead Colliery Band, playing ‘Super Trouper’. As well as hosting an afternoon tea in honour of the special guests, residents and team members at the home raised £200 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 r

ider having to pedal.  It proved a very popular mode of transport while it was at the homes.

Once the 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, Christine Dudley, home manager at Stanley Park said: “Residents and colleagues at my home 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. It was great to be able to tell our directors first-hand how much we’ve raised and we were proud to host their 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 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.”