Race night raises hundreds for Teesside elderly

A TEESSIDE race night has raised hundreds of pounds for care home residents across the region.

Fairfields Sport and Social Club, in Stockton on Tees, held the fundraiser for five care homes in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool.

More than £600 was raised through bets and donations from race goers, staff, family and friends.

There was also a pie and peas supper, cake sale, disco and raffle, with prizes including a Middlesbrough FC shirt signed by the team.

The funds will be used to purchase sensory equipment for those living with dementia, as well as a video library and luxury beauty and pamper items.

The care homes, all owned by the Hill Care Group, include:

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

Beth Stevenson, North East regional manager for the Hill Care Group, said: “The race night was a novel way for staff, relatives and friends to come together and have lots of fun while raising funds to help our residents.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve engaging with our residents, especially for those with hearing or sight impairment. Sensory equipment is so important as it enhances the experience of their immediate surroundings and overall quality of life.

“A dedicated beauty and pamper room will enable residents to feel like they are taking a trip to a beauty salon and a video library means that we can hold movie afternoons to entertain residents and relatives alike.

“Our thanks go to everyone who came to the race night, had a bet or two and donated to help our residents.”

To round off race night, everyone at the event took part in a ‘Dementia Dab’, a dance challenge spreading across social media following Dementia Awareness Week.

Beth added: “The Dementia Dab is a bit of fun for residents and staff alike. You can see how it’s done if you search for it online.

“We’re challenging others to take part across Teesside and other Hill Care homes around the UK, so get your dance shoes on and give it a go.”