“Ahoy There!” from Green Lodge: Clair and John’s Charity Voyage

Back in September, Activities Co-Ordinator Clair and 86 year-old resident John Wall over at Green Lodge set off on a ‘voyage’ that would take them on a scenic tour of the Tees Barage and raise an impressive £600 for Teesside Dementia Link Services - a charity very close to the home’s heart. The pair were also accompanied by relatives of Enid, another fantastic resident at the Billingham care home.

John has always enjoyed getting out in nature and visiting his favourite local parks, so when Clair heard about the charity's latest sponsored walk called ‘A Stroll Down Dementia Lane’, she knew it would be something he would love.

“We started training for the walk straight away, getting out as much as we could and trying out different routes. It was a great way to prepare us both for the challenge. It helped me increase my fitness, but it also gave John something to look forward to! He found the different routes really engaging too.” said Clair. “We decided a theme would be a fun touch, and a pirate theme just seemed like the perfect depiction of the voyage we were embarking upon!”.

Transforming John’s chair into a pirate ship was a fantastic idea; he loved showing it off to his friends before he and Clair left the home, and it was certainly a talking point along the way. Clair told us that “The ship and our costumes made John stand out; he loved all the attention almost as much as he loved seeing the wonderful scenery along the banks of the river Tees.”.

The aim of this year’s walk was for families and friends affected by dementia to come together and remember their loved ones while getting out in the open air. “Everyone carried signs about who they were walking for… ours said ‘All our people we have had the pleasure to look after at Green Lodge’.”

Between Clair and Chrissie Noddings (Enid’s daughter), an impressive £600 was raised for the charity on behalf of John and Enid! “My family and I had a wonderful day walking around Tees Barrage and over the Infinity Bridge on behalf of my lovely mum, Enid.” Said Chrissie. “Alongside Clair and John, we completed the 2km walk in high-spirits and it was heartwarming for everyone to come together and share in their experiences! We’re over the moon with how much money we raised.”

Green Lodge Care Home has been working closely with Teesside Dementia Link Charity for well over 2 years now; the home works hard to maintain these links with the local dementia charity and recognises the importance of forming lasting relationships in the local community. Home Manager, Sharon, adds: “We are so proud of Clair, John and all of Enid’s family for what they have done for the charity. The money raised will mean that Teesside Dementia Links Charity can continue planning fantastic events such as the monthly dementia cafes and dementia-friendly cinema viewings which Clair always takes residents along to.”

Green Lodge Care Home boasts more than just links with the local community; it is in a great location in the Billingham area of Stockton-upon-Tees, and fun events are hosted weekly in the home – why not read about their amazing Pride party earlier this year? From person-centred care plans to nutritional, tasty food, residents at Green Lodge can enjoy exceptional care thanks to our incredible teams. For more information or to plan a visit to the home, visit their page on our website or call them on 01642 553665.