These boots were made for walking! Gateshead care home residents complete 40-mile challenge

A care home in Gateshead stepped up to raise funds for a very worthwhile local charity.

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Armstrong House, on Lobley Hill Road, have walked 40 miles in just 40 days and raised £325.

The funds are being donated to charity, Big Local Gateshead, which is run by the community with the aim of empowering residents to improve the area in which they live.

The challenge, which marked Care UK’s 40^th anniversary, took place both indoors, along corridors in the home, and using Teams Cycleway paths as they ventured outside into the local area. With determination, smiles and pure grit, 20 residents took on the 40-mile challenge and vowed to help play their part in reaching the end goal, including 101-year-old resident, Eva.

Zimmer frames and wheelchairs were no obstacle for the residents, with some reaching as far as the historical landmark, the Dunston Staiths, and Newcastle’s St. James’ Park Stadium, discovering all the local hot spots along the way. With the help of relatives and team members, residents were encouraged to complete the challenge and cross the finish line.

Residents and team members gathered for the final leg of the walking challenge, cheered on by the rest of the team and family members, as they crossed the balloon arch finish line inside the home.

To celebrate the end of the fundraising activity, the home team organised a special party for everyone who had helped the team and residents reach their goal. Everyone was treated to a glass of prosecco and a big screen viewing of highlights from the 40-day challenge in the home’s cinema.

The celebration also saw the team at Armstrong House present Big Local Gateshead with the funds they had raised – a grand total of £325.

Resident Tom said: “I enjoyed going outside to walk and I passed along many streets I know well where I grew up and lived. I also did it for the Big Local charity – I really like going to their allotment to do some gardening.”

Shirley Summerbell, Home Manager at Armstrong House, said: “Residents and team members alike loved taking part in this challenge to celebrate Care UK’s 40^th anniversary. 

“Judging by the amount raised and the smiles on everyone’s faces, we all thoroughly enjoyed taking part. Being able to support Big Local Gateshead felt like the perfect way to mark Care UK’s anniversary.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the team for all their hard work in organising the challenge and to all that took part for persevering until the end. Completing the challenge really has been the highlight of the year here at Armstrong House!” 

Armstrong House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the home has plenty of space - both indoors and out - for relaxation and recreation. The home has a comprehensive activity programme, offering a mix of themed events, group activities and days out.

To find out more about Armstrong House, please contact Home Manager, Shirley Summerbell, at shirley.summerbell@careuk.com, or phone 01642 988203.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/armstrong-house.