Staff at Downham Market’s Downham Grange Care Home walk ten miles and raise hundreds Alzheimer’s Society

Staff at a Downham care home have walked ten miles for the Alzheimer's Society, raising hundreds for the cause.

The team at Downham Grange Care Home stepped out for their residents - but also Bruna Morais, their activities co-ordinator, who lost her grandmother to the illness in 2015.

Her nan, Helena, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007, with her husband caring for her for eight years until Helena passed away in 2015.

This encouraged Bruna to become a carer herself, and she joined Downham Grange as a support worker for three years prior to changing her role to activities. She now focuses her time on providing dementia-friendly activities.

Bruna said: “Through dementia-friendly activities, I aim to engage residents with Alzheimer’s in ways that stimulate their minds, encourage social interaction and promote wellbeing.

“My goal at Downham Grange is to create a supportive environment where each individual feels valued and empowered.”

Eight members of staff and two family members started the walk last Saturday morning from the care home, and covered the ten miles in and around Downham, which took them around three hours to complete.

They originally had a £300 target, which they quickly reached within one week and have since raised more than £800 - which is “fantastic and far more than expected”.

If anyone would like to donate, you can still do so at https://www.justgiving.com/page/downham-grange-1