Portsmouth News

Going distance for care home

- Emily Jessica Turner Emily.Turner@nationalwo­rld.co.uk

A CYCLIST has raised hundreds of pounds for ‘amazing’ care home staff with a sponsored bike ride.

Alan Rain set out on his cycling challenge after deciding that a weekly ‘clap for carers’ was not enough of a thank you for the team at W at er loovilleb as ed South Africa Lodge.

He said that he has seen the dedication, love and care that his family member receives at the Stakes Hill Road home, and decided to cycle 150 miles from his birth city of Portsmouth to his current home in Burton Latimer, Northampto­nshire to raise funds as a thank you for staff.

With a target of £500, Alan set off on Saturday, April 30 at 6am on a route that took him via South Africa Lodge and Marula Lodge in Surrey, a sister home of the Waterloovi­lle care home, both of which are operated by Cornerston­e Healthcare Group.

Each home had asked residents to get involved in making posters to encourage Alan on his way and gave him a welcomingp­arty on arrival which included Cornerston­e’s chief executive officer, Johann van Zyl.

Alan took in numerous sites en route including Fratton Park, the Chilten Hills, waterfalls and, finally, after nine hours and 43 minutes in the saddle, he reached the pub where he enjoyed a pint.

Johann vanZyl said :‘ What Alan has done is wonderful and I know that the staff at South Africa Lodge really appreciate it.

‘It was great to see him at Marula Lodge and thank him in person for this charitable act.’

Alan has raised £445 on his Crowdfundi­ng page, which can be found at justgiving. com/ crowd funding/ alan rain -1.

 ?? ?? Alan Rain and the team outside the South Africa Lodge care home in Waterloovi­lle
Alan Rain and the team outside the South Africa Lodge care home in Waterloovi­lle

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