Fundraising team from Devon support Dementia Awareness Week
Six members of staff from Quay Court Care Centre, Devon, are undertaking an Air, Sea and Land challenge during Dementia Awareness Week in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia Awareness week began on Sunday and continues until 24 May.
Katie Frost, Julie Edmonds, Natasha Hyne, Jes Hawkes, Georgina Rose Mercy, Sharon Frost, and Tim Colebrook are those taking part.
Spurred on by their commitment to care for people with dementia, this challenge is about much more than fundraising.
The Air, Sea and Land challenge consists of three stages, starting on Sunday 18th May at 6am, when the six staff will head up to Scotland from Kingsbridge.
The 1,344m climb of Ben Nevis will begin at 9am on Tuesday 20th May, arriving back at Quay Court Care Centre on Wednesday 21st May at 9pm.
On Friday 23rd May, the six brave staff from Quay Court Care Centre will complete the second part of their challenge, taking to the air at Dunkerswell airfield at 10am, to complete a free fall ground rush tandem skydive from 7,000ft, straight down!
The third and final stage sees the team taking to sea on Saturday 24th May at 3:30pm, via kayak from Salcombe Harbour to Kingsbridge, finishing in line with Quay Court Care Centre. Not content to make things easy, the final leg of this three mile trip will be completed at high tide to ensure no help from the current.
The group are also being supported by donations from Devon Care Group.
Sally Dyke, Director of Devon Care Group which runs Quay Court Care Centre, said:
“I wish to support the challenge that the staff at Quay Court are undertaking. I feel that the cause is one that is important to all, particularly those that work with people with dementia”.
The team have been preparing themselves for the past six months by completing challenging uphill walks, kayak outings and re-arranging their lifestyle to prioritise health and fitness.
Some members of the team are carrying phobias on their shoulders including a fear of water, and a fear of heights meaning that the challenge will not only be a physical one.
Dania Shaw, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society in Devon and Cornwall said:
"It’s great that the staff are taking on this real challenge to support Alzheimer’s Society. One in three people over 65 will develop dementia. It is more than just memory loss; it robs people of their lives and has a devastating impact on families and loved ones.
"As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like the staff at Quay Court to help us continue our vital work so that Alzheimer's Society can continue leading the fight against dementia."
Staff not taking part in the challenge are also hosting events from bingo to car boot sales and hope to encourage others to get involved to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
People wanting to donate and show their support can visit the Just Giving page http://www.justgiving.com/Air-Sea-Land2014, or simply text ASAL91 with their chosen donation (e.g. £5) to 70070 or call in to Quay Court where there is a donation box.
For more information on the range of services Alzheimer’s Society has in Devon to support people with dementia and their carers, please contact Devon Dementia Support Service on 0300 123 2029 or email devon@alzheimers.org.uk
