Care homes cycle over 700 miles for Alzheimer’s Society

VOLUNTEERS from across Teesside have covered hundreds of miles on static bikes to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Five care homes in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool hosted the charity cycling marathon over the space of a week.

Staff, residents, family, friends and volunteers from across the region took turns in the saddle to clock up 713 miles – more than double the original 300 mile target.

The homes, all operated by the Hill Care Group, raised £559 for the charity. They include:

• Queens Meadow, Stockton Road, Hartlepool
• Mandale House, Acklam Road, Thornaby
• The Gables, Highfield Road, Middlesbrough
• Ingleby, Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick
• The Beeches, Green Lane, Newtown.

Among those who participated in the challenge were volunteers from the Middlesbrough FC and Hartlepool United National Citizenship Services.

Pupils and teachers from several local schools also took part.

The endurance challenge is in support of Hill Care Managing Director, Wendy Waddicor, who will complete a 300 mile cycle from London to Paris to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Teesside home’s fundraising efforts have pushed Wendy’s total to over £3,000 so far.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud of our homes going to such an effort to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, which is a charity close to the hearts of everyone at Hill Care.

“They covered an incredible distance throughout the week and have raised an astonishing amount of money, which will help fund research and education.

“I’d also l thank all those volunteers who gave up their time to take part in the challenge, including our staff who came in on their days off, bringing their families and friends to take turns on the bikes.

“The support our homes receive in the North East is incredible and means so much to our residents and staff.”