Sheltered housing residents, staff and dogs walk together for a good cause

Last week around 30 elderly residents and four members of staff from sheltered housing schemes in Fenland completed a sponsored walk, raising over £1,000 in aid of Breast Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support. The two mile walk was organised by the residents together with staff, inspired by the recovery of a much loved staff member, who won her battle against cancer.

The group started their sponsored walk early in the afternoon with most of the elderly residents supported by walking frames and sticks, or wheelchairs. They were joined by Sally-Blue and Arnie, two dogs who live with their owners in the sheltered home. At the end of their walk around Bradshaw Court, the upbeat group was rewarded with coffee, tea, cakes and fish & chips funded by Roddons social activities money.

The sponsored walk was followed by sheltered scheme coffee mornings a few days later, organised by residents, where they sold freshly baked cakes and held a raffle.

Together the active residents and staff from Bradshaw Court, Boyden Court, Napier Court and North Witchford Lodge sheltered schemes, all managed by Roddons Housing Association, raised £1,000, which will be split between Breast Cancer Research and the Macmillan Cancer Support.

Resident Joan Smith (84) from Bradshaw Court said: “It was a pleasure to help with organising and participating in this. We all had a wonderful time and it’s fantastic that we raised such a high amount of money for a great charity.”

Suzanne Scrimshaw, Project Manager for Roddons Housing Association, which is part of leading housing provider Circle Anglia, said: “Cancer affects so many people and everyone can do something to help. When someone close to you is diagnosed with cancer it’s devastating for everyone involved. We were all inspired by our colleague who fought her illness with the support of the local nurses and doctors. We are all very pleased with the amount we managed to raise for a very worthy cause. A massive thank you to everyone who contributed.”

For further information please contact Maike Riedel at the Circle Anglia press office on 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circleanglia.org.

Last modified 20/07/10