River Tees bridge to bridge walk raises funds for care home

A CARE home housekeeper has racked up the miles to raise funds for dementia friendly equipment and a fish and chip supper for her residents.

Caroline Young, who works at Mandale House Care Home, Thornaby, near Middlesbrough, raised £300 after conquering her bridge to bridge walk across the River Tees.

She completed 8-miles, walking from the home, on Acklam Road, to the Princess of Wales Bridge and then along the walkway to the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre cafe.

After a short refreshment stop, Caroline doubled back across the Infinity Bridge and returned to the home via Stockton Riverside College, on Harvard Avenue, clocking up 11,400 steps on her pedometer in just under two hours.

The sponsorship money will help fund new equipment for the home’s specialist Dementia Suite. At the request of the residents, it will also be used to buy fish and chips for everyone at the home.

Caroline said: “I was very excited to give something back to my residents, who I help care for full-time.

“I wanted to be able to give them an extra treat and show them how much support they all have. I didn’t do it to get anything back other than the smiles on the residents’ faces.”

Residents had made a start and finish poster to welcome Caroline back to the home, when her colleagues presented her with flowers and a bottle of prosecco to say thank you.

Resident Marion Lawrence personally thanked Caroline on her return. She said: “Thank you so much. You’re such a kind lady.”

Louise Clements, home manager at Mandale House Care Home, said: “We are all so proud of Caroline, taking time out of her day to support our residents.”