Hilary’s hike to help families living with dementia
Over 200 miles, 22 care homes and 2 great causes – that is the fundraising challenge that Hilary Grabham, an activities coordinator at Portcullis House care home in Langport, has set herself.
Accompanied by her faithful Collie, Ziggy, Hilary is walking the route between all 22 of Somerset Care’s not-for-profit care homes across Somerset and Devon, to raise funds which will be split between Dementia UK, and the amenities fund for residents at Portcullis House.
A fundraising walk in 15 stages
Hilary is planning to complete the challenge in 15 stages, setting off on the first leg of her walk (a 10-mile route taking her from Portcullis House in Langport, via Wessex House in Somerton, to Southlawns in Street) on Easter Monday, 6th April. All being well, Hilary will finish her challenge at Green Tree Court dementia and nursing care home in Exeter in mid-July.
This is not the first time that Hilary has taken on a fundraising challenge for the benefit of residents and good causes. Last year, along with colleagues Charlotte Haines and Ellie Scott, she executed a daring skydive at 10,000ft over Salisbury, to raise over £3000 for Alzheimer’s UK and resident activities. This year, Hilary decided to choose a challenge that she can invite more colleagues from across the Somerset Care Group to accompany her on.
Embracing the challenge
Hilary says:
“I’m really looking forward to doing the walk! Hopefully, with experts behind me and colleagues and Ziggy beside me, we’ll raise lots of money and awareness for the amazing work that Dementia UK and Somerset Care do for families living with dementia.
“I’ve plotted a challenge that will take me between each of Somerset Care’s homes. Wherever I finish on one leg of my journey is where I will start for the next one, to keep the continuity and make a complete route from start to finish. I’m looking forward to getting the challenge underway on Easter Monday!”
An inspiring effort
Nicola Daykin, Registered Manager of Portcullis House, says:
“I would like to say how proud we all are of Hilary’s latest fundraising effort for dementia charities and our resident amenities fund. Hilary is truly inspiring and highly valued by everyone at Portcullis House.”
Amy Yapp, Somerset Care Area Manager, adds:
“Hilary’s determination to take on this remarkable journey – walking between all Somerset Care homes to raise vital funds – is nothing short of amazing. Her dedication to Dementia UK and the Portcullis House amenities fund shines through every step of her challenge, and we are so proud of her.
“Thank you to everyone who has rallied behind Hilary so far, made a donation, or committed to join her on her fundraising walk. Your messages of support reflect the spirit and values that make Somerset Care so special.”
Support Hilary's fundraising challenge
To make a donation to Hilary’s fundraising challenge, please click on the buttons below or contact the team at Portcullis House.
