A Dorset care home resident has shown that age is no barrier when it comes to raising cash for Sport Relief.
John Griffiths, 87, was determined to do his bit for the charity appeal by joining an in-house cycle relay at Colten Care’s Canford Chase.
Thirty team members, volunteers and guests at the Branksome Park home planned to pedal on a static bike for eight continuous hours in 15-minute individual sessions.
When John heard about it, he put his name down too and spent several afternoons limbering up with some gentle bending and stretching exercises under the careful guidance of his carers.
A grandfather and retired economist, John was a keen cyclist in his younger days.
He said: “I loved cycling when I was a lad. I used to take my bike to school every morning and at the weekends go for miles into the countryside. I could cycle all day. I’ve always kept myself fit and I was only too happy to help Sport Relief. It’s a great cause. I made sure I didn’t run out of breath and I really enjoyed taking part.”
Maria Grant, Activities Organiser at Canford Chase, said: “We are so pleased to have helped John achieve his wish of raising money for Sport Relief. He did really well and got a hearty round of applause from everyone when he finished his stint on the bike. As well as John, we thank all those team members and visitors who took time out to cycle for 15 minutes each.”
Other Sport Relief fundraising activities at Colten Care homes included a ‘mini Olympics’ challenge at Avon Cliff in Bournemouth. Cups and medals were awarded for points scored in skittles, target bowls, indoor golf and beanbag distance throws.
At Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Activities Organiser Jane Bunker raised more than £200 by dressing up in dozens of sports-related clothes and items of kit and completing a sponsored run round the home’s garden.
ENDS
Photo caption –
PEDAL POWER. John Griffiths begins his Sport Relief bike challenge at Canford Chase care home in Poole. With him are Colten Care team members Kathryn Cherrett (left) and Maria Grant.
Note to Journalists: With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company based in Lymington, Hampshire. It has 19 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Colten Care is determined to set the highest standards in all aspects of care of the older person. Colten Care is also committed to raising money for charitable causes. In 2015, Colten Care residents and team members raised nearly £32,000 for charity.
For more information, please contact Scott Sinclair, Deep South Media, tel: 01202 534487.
