Captain Tom helps inspire residents

Fundraiser and former British Army officer Captain Tom has inspired those living at a Sunderland care home to take their own special steps for a good cause.

Residents at The Village Care Home in South Hylton have raised more than £780 after following in Captain Tom’s footsteps to walk around their garden.

At the time of writing, the total stands at £785 and will be donated to local charity Action on Dementia Sunderland, which supports those living with the illness and their families.

Residents have taken it in turns to walk lengths of the garden just like Captain Tom, who has raised more than £32million for the NHS to date.

To celebrate him turning 100-years-old last Thursday, the Queen promoted him to honorary colonel.

Kimberley Heads is the activity coordinator at the care home.

She said: “I was speaking to Doris, one of the residents, about Captain Tom and she suggested that we should do something similar.

“We decided that we would donate to a Sunderland-based

charity so people could see where the money was going.”

The initial target was £150 – and it was beaten in the first 24hours.

Kimberley added: “We are totally amazed by the support, all the residents are over the moon. Most of the residents wanted to get involved, even those who can’t walk very well.

“Some have been using their walking frames and a couple have even done it in their wheelchairs.”

Ernie Thompson is the chairman of Action on Dementia Sunderland and added his thanks for all of the care home's support.

Thecharityrunsanumber of services across the city including support groups, day trips and home visits, however all have had to stop due to the lockdown.

He said: “The support has been staggering, it has been a marvellous effort by all involved.

“Dementia is an incredibly isolating disease, not only for those who have it but for their carers too.

“When we are back up and running, every penny raised will be spent locally.

“I’m more than happy for the care home to have a say on how we could go about using it, I’m just extremely grateful.”

Residents Jimmy and Mary taking part in the walk which has so far raised £785.

John was one of the residents who took part in the walk.