Care home’s cycle for suicide prevention charity

NEARLY 200 miles was cycled by residents, staff, and visitors at a Tyneside care home – raising hundreds of pounds for a suicide prevention charity.

A static bike was brought to Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, Hebburn, by a staff member as part of a fundraising event for Samaritans.

Over two days, those living, working, and visiting the care home took turns at the pedals, putting in the miles as sponsors kept delving into their pockets to support the team.

In total, they clocked a combined 193 miles and have so far collected over £250, with more contributions still coming in.

Resident Cheryl Cook, 55, was among those who took part, adding around 3 miles to the team’s total. She said: “It’s been a long while since I’ve done this. I think my legs will be like jelly when I get off.”

Home manager Chris Hogan-Hind and activities coordinator Claire Wade, who owns the bike, completed the bulk of the miles, with maître d’ Christine Chandler, care assistants Emma Henderson and Andrea Bennett, deputy manager Kelly Davison, and maintenance man Richard Johns also keeping the wheels spinning.

Resident Jennifer Black, 75, was happy cheering the team on from the side lines, adding “He’s doing a great job” during Chris’s stint.

Eleanor Oley, a family member of resident Eleanor Rundel, 92, also got involved during her visit, adding a couple of miles to the clock.

This was the second fundraising event of the year for the home, with home manager Chris previously getting his legs waxed for community foodbank Hebburn Helps.

Chris said: “This time the team wanted to focus on a charity that works to prevent suicide and does so much to support people’s mental health.

“Over the last few years, we will all know someone who has been impacted by mental health struggles and for many their own mental health has taken a huge knock.

“Through it all, Samaritans offer non-judgmental support to people who are struggling, and to those who have experienced the bereavement of someone close who has taken their own lives.

“We wanted to raise a bit of money to help the charity provide as much support as they can. Activities coordinator Claire, staff, family members, and residents did a great job cycling towards our goal.”