Residents at five Colten Care homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex kept a close eye on a Companionship team leader’s 134-mile charity walking challenge.
Natasha Dancy, team leader at Bourne View in Poole, was inspired to do the eight-day trek across three counties after a session with residents on local history and nature.
Joined by husband Shane Sheenan, she decided to attempt a home-to-home walk starting in the east at Wellington Grange in Chichester.
To ensure as many Colten Care residents as possible could feel involved, the couple called in to share stories of their trek at Abbotts Barton in Winchester, Braemar Lodge in Salisbury and Whitecliffe House in Blandford before their final leg to Bourne View.
At each stop, residents and colleagues welcomed them, hearing about the people they met, receiving keepsakes gathered on route and learning facts about the towns, villages and landmarks along the way.
In Winchester, Abbotts Barton resident Joyce Birchmore told the couple: “I am amazed at your stamina to walk so many miles, and all for charity, well done.”
Caroline Ward, who also lives at the home, thanked them for keeping residents updated, adding: “I hope you manage to have a very long rest afterwards.”
The couple’s challenge has raised more than £500 for Poole Men’s Shed, Bourne View residents’ charity of the year, and Whizz Kidz, a children’s wheelchair charity that is particularly meaningful to Natasha and her family.
Natasha said: “I was inspired to complete the challenge by an activity I run for residents at Bourne View where we talk about the history and natural world of Dorset. Shane and I thought it would be fun to do that on a wider scale, while also sharing it with other care homes and fundraising for two important charities in the process.
“Whizz Kidz holds sentimental value for me personally. My sister lost her independence due to an illness when she was younger, and my family did their own fundraising event to help purchase an off-road wheelchair so she could still continue exploring as well. It means a lot to me to try and bring that kind of joy to other families going through similar situations.”
As well as meeting the walkers when they called in, residents at all the homes were able to keep track of progress through daily photographs, videos and social posts.
The journey was followed with particular interest back at Bourne View, where residents eagerly anticipated the couple’s arrival back.
At a lunch to celebrate the achievement, John Broomfield told them: “Well done to you both, that was a good effort. I am surprised you’re not more exhausted.”
Fellow resident Irene Whyment agreed, adding: “You two should be proud of yourselves, that was a great achievement for such a good cause.”
Reflecting on reaching the finish line, Natasha said: “We were so upset when we took that last step, knowing the adventure had come to an end. I loved taking this journey with the residents and staff of Colten Care. Everyone has been so supportive and wonderful.”
Shane said: “Thank you to everyone who encouraged us to do this. We’ve never done anything like this before, so sharing it with the residents was something truly special.”
Cara Duroe, Senior Leader of Companionship teams at multiple Colten Care homes including Bourne View, said: “This was a tremendous challenge for two amazing charities. I feel very proud to have Natasha on the Companionship team.”
