Station House sends-off riders on gruelling 800-mile charity bike ride

Home news

May 17, 2019

Residents and team members at Station House played their part in a nationwide fundraising drive last week 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.  

Station House was the 14th 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 Crewe care home put on a warm welcome for the intrepid cyclists and showcased a bike the team had decorated to look like a steam train, inspired by the care home’s name. To support the Ride 800 initiative, the lifestyle team held a bake sale and coffee morning, and raised a total of £160. 

Residents who wanted to relive old cycling memories were also given a chance to have a go on the supported cycle which is being taken to around 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, Julie Okhae, home manager at Station House, 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. It was great to be able to tell our directors first-hand how much we’d raised, and we were really 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, 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 were 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.”