Sarah Purcell, aged 68, who has lived at HC-One’s Beeches Care Home in Arnold, Nottingham since August 2023, has been reflecting on how proud she is of her daughter, Louisa Lake’s fundraising achievements by raising £1,250 in aid of the Our Dementia Choir.
Louisa Lake, aged 32, took part in the Robin Hood Half Marathon in Nottingham on the 29th September, completing the run in just over 3 hours, all in aid of raising funds for the Our Dementia Choir, a cause close to Louisa’s heart. Louisa chose to raise funds for the Our Dementia Choir following her mother, Sarah’s diagnosis of dementia and Louisa becoming a trustee of the charity.
The Our Dementia Choir is a charity founded in 2018 by Vicky McClure who use the power of music and singing to bring happiness, comfort and connection to those living with dementia and their families. Music has a number of therapeutic effects for residents living with dementia including having a positive impact on their wellbeing and helping trigger memories.
Louisa’s mother, Sarah, has been a member of the Our Dementia Choir for three years. Members of the Our Dementia Choir frequently visit Sarah at HC-One’s Beeches Care Home, and Sarah has enjoyed keeping in touch with the singing group.
To help support her daughter, Sarah accompanied by staff from the Beeches Care Home attended the half marathon event and cheered on Louisa as she crossed the finish line, congratulating her on completing the race.
Louisa was also joined at the finish line by BAFTA-winning Nottingham actress, Vicky McClure who had turned out to cheer on all the runners who were raising money for the Our Dementia Choir.
Speaking after the race, Louisa Lake said:
“It meant everything to me to be able to take part in the race, especially after quite a few injuries which set me back during my training. I was very proud to finish the marathon.
“It felt like a huge achievement to be able to complete it. I raised a whopping £1,250 in total for the Our Dementia Choir.
“Having the support of my mum, Vicky from the Our Dementia Choir and staff members from the Beeches Care Home team got me through the gruelling 13.1 mile distance.
“My mum waiting for me at the end was the image I had in my head all the way along to get me through.
“I will be fundraising again for the Our Dementia Choir and mum next year, and this time I will be trying to beat my time of 3 hours!”