CARE home residents and staff smashed their charity challenge target by completing 408 laps around Sunrise of Mobberley.

Forty residents and the same number of staff took part in the 50-mile ‘jog along with Sunrise’ for Dementia UK, which ran throughout November.

The 408 laps they completed around the home totalled 102 miles, more than double the target.

Also taking part virtually in the challenge were family and relatives, Tatton MP Esther McVey and King’s School at Macclesfield.

Knutsford Guardian:

Wilf Matthews completed the most laps among the residents

People sent in photos of themselves walking or jogging, and the original target of £50 was smashed, everyone’s combined efforts raising £6,000 for Dementia UK.

Lisa Burrows, Sunrise general manager said: “Dementia is one of the most heart-breaking conditions to live with, and I am delighted with the response from all connected with Sunrise of Mobberley to the challenge.

“The virtual fundraiser has been amazing, and we want to thank all our team members who walked with the residents to maintain wellbeing and understand the need to exercise and the joys of fresh air walks.”

Knutsford Guardian:

Resident Maureen Holden sets the walkers off

Dawn Williams, Sunrise director of community relations said: “We have a safe footpath that goes all the way round the building, each resident did a lap a day, and we totalled it all up on our thermometer board.

“Wilf Matthews wanted to do four laps a day for the whole of November, and completed 120 laps, which is 30 miles, without fail, even in the rain.

“The idea inspired a lot of people to start walking who wouldn’t normally go out, and once it got going more people wanted to join.

Knutsford Guardian:

Josh Ivinson and his girlfriend Ella

“Everyone really enjoyed going out in the fresh air even though the weather wasn’t brilliant.

“We thought we would raise about £50 for the 50 miles, and it’s amazing that so many people wanted to support it.

“They felt it had given them a purpose through November to get out and walk and keep positive.”

Sarah Ford from Wilmslow, whose grandparents Brenda and Joe Lowe are at the home, raised £715 with her daughter Jessie.

Knutsford Guardian:

Sarah Ford and her daughter Jessie

Josh Ivinson, from London, whose grandad Neil is a Sunrise resident, raised more than £1,000 with his girlfriend Ella, and Esther McVey did a five-mile walk to Parliament to support the challenge, which was organised by activities co-ordinator Tina Isaac.