Huddersfield care home to cycle almost 900 miles for charityResidents and Colleagues are holding an exercise bike fundraiser to raise money for Dementia UK and the Residents’ fund at HC-One’s The Oakes care home in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

They are holding a three-day Covid-friendly event over the last weekend in March that is open to Relatives and members of the public. Their vision is to have socially-distanced exercise bikes in the foyer of the home for Colleagues and willing Residents to take part as well as bikes outside for members of the public to lend a hand.

Their goal is to collectively ride 874 miles – the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats – on the donated exercise bikes.

The event is being organised by The Oakes Wellbeing Coordinator Ben Smith with the full support of everybody at the home. His vision for the day is very clear and he hopes to get as many people involved as possible.

Ben said: “It’s a way of bringing the home and the community together after what’s been a difficult year for everyone. Already we’re seeing people pull together and work hard to make sure thee day goes ahead and it’s something we’re all looking forward to.”

Friends and family of both Colleagues and Residents have already provided The Oakes with resources and have plenty of people eager to contribute already, including a local gym owner who’s excited to get involved with the fitness fundraiser.

The money raised will be split between the Residents at the home as well as a donation to Dementia UK.

Ben commented: “Lockdown has really shown us that without entertainers and days out, resources within the home are paramount in providing structure to Residents’ days and this money will allow us to build on existing resources to make the home as independent as possible in providing this service.”

The Covid-secure exercise bike fundraiser will be taking place over three days starting on March 27th and anyone is welcome to book a 15 or 30 minute time slot to give The Oakes a hand in chipping away at their goal. Bookings can be made by contacting [email protected].