HC-One’s Hambleton Grange Care Home, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, erupted in cheers and applause after carer Dawn Parker-Eland and senior carer Alan Richardson faced off in an inspiring press-up challenge to raise over £500 for the home’s residents.
The event, born from Dawn’s personal journey through grief, transformed a heartbreaking loss into a triumphant celebration of community spirit. In January, Dawn was devastated by the loss of her beloved family horse.
Determined to channel her grief into something positive, she threw down the gauntlet to Alan, challenging him to a test of strength and endurance. This led a personal goal to quickly grow into a sponsored event to further enrichen activities for Hambleton Grange residents.
After four months of preparation, the challenge culminated in a lively evening that capped off a week of sporty activities and screenings for residents. The event kicked off at 7pm with a special appearance by local celebrity and veterinarian Julian Norton, who delighted the crowd with his own press-up performance and officiated the challenge.
Dawn shared a moving speech about how the event helped her cope with her loss, setting an emotional tone for the evening.
With a packed room of residents, relatives, and supporters cheering them on, Dawn powered through an astonishing 60 press-ups, while Alan delivered a valiant 34.
Sponsors who guessed the closest to the competitors’ press-up totals were awarded prizes, with two relatives of residents and work experience student Lavinia emerging as the lucky winners. The funds raised – £630 – will directly support Hambleton Grange residents, enhancing their quality of life through new activities and experiences.
Dawn Parker-Eland, HC-One’s Hambleton Grange Carer, said:
“The support has been phenomenal. This challenge not only helped me heal from the loss of my horse but brought our entire community together for a cause that means so much to us all.”
For more information about HC-One care homes in your area please click
here.