Care home staff start fundraising year with £1,000

A MARATHON charity effort for those living with dementia has begun with more than £1,000 being raised.

Balhousie Care Group homes across Scotland showed their support to their charity partner Alzheimer Scotland by holding events and raising money during Dementia Awareness Week.

Antiquary and Balhousie Lisden Care Homes in Angus were part of the charity effort as they held a sponsored cycle and purple party respectively with more than £1,000 raised from the events.

Yvonne Manson, dementia consultant at Balhousie Care Group, said: “Around 800 of Balhousie Care Group’s residents are living with dementia or cognitive decline so raising both awareness and money is important to everyone at Balhousie.

“It’s been great to see the fun had by residents and staff across the homes during Dementia Awareness Week Scotland.”

Balhousie Care Group, who celebrate their 25th birthday later in the year, are aiming to raise £25,000 for the charity over the year, with each of the group’s 24 homes and head office tasked with raising £1,000.

The partnership provides Balhousie’s homes with resource for staff training, resident well-being and relative support and essential fundraising i nitiatives help support Alzheimer Scotland to continue to provide specialist services.

Yvonne added: “As Balhousie’s chosen charity partner, our support for Alzheimer Scotland is more than just for one specific week.

“Staff, residents and relatives have embraced the challenge of raising £25,000 and are making fantastic progress — with some weird and wacky ideas for fundraising!

“We’ve had staff members doing zip wires, 25 hour cycles and staff and resident sponsored walks.”

Staff Sara Brown and Alison Brown do their bit at Antiquary Care Home.