Residents at a Winchester dementia care home got behind a bid by two of their nursing team to cycle round the Isle of Wight in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
Dimitrie Nistor and Stefan Zhelyazkov, Senior Nurse and Clinical Lead respectively at Colten Care’s St Catherines View, inspired residents and colleagues alike to support them.
While the pair tackled a 65-mile route round the Island, including challenging hills and coastal paths, well-wishers back at the Stanmore Lane home clocked up further mileage using hand or foot-operated exercise pedals in the comfort of their rooms and lounge.
Their contribution helped the cyclists beat their £500 fundraising target, with the totaliser reaching more than £700 and counting.
Among the residents who pitched in on exercise pedals were Nalini Bhagwat with her feet and Sheila Carter with her hands.
Their efforts prompted Healthcare Assistant Roopesh Puthalomkunnath Vileangotunhalil to start pedalling too.
And Senior Nurse Claudia Bostan helped rack up the miles on a foot pedal while doing her paperwork.
Dimitrie said: “We caught the ferry from Southampton to Cowes and then got straight to cycling. We had one fall during our circuit of the Island but we kept going. Over two days, we had beautiful coastal views, gorgeous scenery and sunny weather. We got to see many sights on our way round including the Needles, Osbourne House and Bembridge Windmill.
“Aside from the cycling experience for us, it was all about raising money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society. At St Catherines View, we share the same approach to dementia as the Society, that you can indeed live well with it. We support the ambition to have a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.”
Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake said: “We were all very proud of Dimitrie and Stefan for taking on such a challenge and we didn’t want them to feel like they were on their own. Staff and residents all joined in from the comfort of our home. Those who were unable to use their legs used their hands. They wanted to show their support in any way possible.”
