Sam’s marathon ride for dementia awareness
Residents and care workers at Gorseway Park, our retirement village on Hayling Island are hailing the efforts of care worker Sam Handley who has completed a 26.4 mile bike ride in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, raising £800 to date – smashing his original £300 target.
Sam was inspired to carry out the ‘Hayling Island Loop fundraiser’ after joining our Gorseway Park care and nursing homes as a Health Care Assistant at the start of the Covid pandemic last year.
He has now been promoted to Dementia Team Leader at our nursing home, which is on Hayling Island’s Sea Front.
Sam (pictured below during the ride with an Agincare Covid Hero Medal) said:
I’ve never done any kind of fundraising like this before, but it’s built on a passion from seeing dementia and the effect it has on people, their lives and families first hand.
I originally got the fundraising idea from an advert on Instagram and would urge anyone to have a go if they’re passionate about something.
A year ago I never thought I would be working in a care environment, let alone with dementia. I had no experience at all and no idea what to expect.
The Covid pandemic was just warming up in May last year and care homes were being hit hard, so I knew it was the right decision to find a job in care, knowing they needed staff during such a difficult time.
Originally I did the Hayling Island Loop to fundraise at Gorseway Park but I just want to say how lovely the community of Hayling Island is because lots of other people have donated to the cause as well.
Sam completed his ride to mark Dementia Action Week (17 -23 May), and next aims to scale Mount Snowdon to further boost fundraising efforts.
This week has also seen Sam has receive a Covid Hero Medal, which we awarded to all staff at Gorseway Park nursing and residential home in recognition of their incredible efforts during the pandemic.
Deputy Manager Colette Knight said:
Sam is a remarkable young man, who has a natural gift for care and has progressed incredibly at Gorseway Park in the short time he’s been with us.
He’s been so modest about his amazing fundraising bike ride for the Alzheimer’s Society and we’re all so proud of what he’s achieved.
Sam’s fundraising page is open for donations until 24 May.
Gorseway Park Retirement Village on Hayling Island providers high quality residential and nursing care within four acres of secluded and landscaped gardens. We offer first-class nursing, dementia, palliative (end of life), respite and convalescence care in a comfortable, homely and relaxed environment.
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