Team members at Gibraltar Nursing Home recently put their fitness to the test as they worked together to complete a virtual race to raise money for local charity Music for Memories.
The fundraising challenge saw team members take turns on an exercise bike, rowing machine and treadmill, each adding miles towards a shared total. Setting themselves just five days to complete an ambitious target of 250 miles, their virtual route took them on a tour of Gibraltar’s sister homes all part of the Evolve Care Group located across the South West.
The race was officially opened by volunteers from Music for Memories, Linda, Jan and Mark, who visited Gibraltar to get the challenge underway. The charity has become a familiar part of life at the home in recent months, having partnered with the care home to provide personalised music playlists and listening equipment for family members (residents).
Music for Memories supports people living with a Dementia and others who may benefit from listening to music that has personal meaning to them. Volunteers spend time getting to know each individual, learning about their musical preferences and life history before putting together a playlist of songs chosen especially for them.
Having seen the meaningful impact of the work of Music for Memories first-hand, the Gibraltar team wanted to do something to support the charity in return, helping it continue reaching people across Monmouthshire and the surrounding areas. And there was certainly no shortage of people willing to contribute!
Within the first few days, the home had already covered more than 120 miles, with team members from across the home’s households, reception, administration, management, maintenance, domestics team and the kitchen taking turns on the equipment whenever they had a chance. Even those coming off a night shift, or about to begin their shift gave themselves a little extra time to be able to contribute a mile or two.
The challenge soon extended beyond the Gibraltar team. Relatives of people living at the home, people living in the neighbouring care village and visiting professionals also joined the effort, including Dr Brian Harries from Dixton Surgery, who took his turn contributing to the total.
Even Dr Brian Harries from Dixton Surgery, took his turn contributing to the total.
What began as a fundraising challenge quickly became something that brought people together across the home and created a strong sense of team spirit, with encouragement coming from those watching from the side lines, including being cheered on by delivery drivers dropping off parcels at the home!
Home Manager Verity Walmsley summed up the challenge, sharing, ‘It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we’re in it together. And we’re so proud to have helped to raise money for such an amazing charity.’
The challenge raised over £200 for Music for Memories, with donations continuing to be collected throughout the final week.
Verity and the Gibraltar team would like to thank everyone who contributed, whether by taking part in the race, encouraging others or making a donation.
The team came together to celebrate the final mile!
To read more about Gibraltar Nursing Home’s partnership with Music for Memories and how the personalised playlists are created, visit: Monmouth Care Home Partners with Charity to Give Residents Personalised Playlists
To read more stories about the events, activities, and people living and working at Gibraltar Nursing Home, please click here.