Residents and team members at Chorleywood Manor Care Home recently completed a charity event to raise crucial funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital’s new children’s cancer centre.
The team took on a 10-mile journey, crossing 10 London bridges, starting at Vauxhall Bridge and finishing at Tower Bridge.
The aim was to raise £2,500 to support the hospital’s work in providing life-saving treatments for young cancer patients. Thanks to generous donations and the determination of everyone involved, they surpassed this goal, raising a total of £3,800.
Nicole Moosbrugger, CCC Project Support Officer, and her team, including Diana Saenz-Herrera and Lottie from Great Ormond Street Hospital, visited Chorleywood Manor Care Home to collect the cheque.
The donation was proudly presented by residents Eric, Yvonne, Jill, Joyce and Shirley, who all took part in the fundraising efforts.
The event, organised by Chorleywood Manor Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, one of the UK’s leading providers of residential, dementia, and respite care, demonstrated the care home residents’ incredible determination.
During the cheque presentation, the team from Great Ormond Street Hospital took the time to speak personally with each resident involved in the walk. They listened as residents shared stories from their 10-mile adventure, recounting memorable moments from the day, the bridges they crossed, and the friendships that kept them going.
Many also reflected on the personal experiences and motivations that inspired them to take part in the challenge, creating a heartfelt and memorable exchange between the residents and the Great Ormond Street Hospital team.
Resident Eric Heather, aged 93, said, “This was about showing that we can still contribute, no matter our age or ability.”
Fellow resident Yvonne Field, aged 89, who has faced mobility challenges following a stroke, said, “I didn’t let anything stop me from participating. I wanted to make a difference for these children.”
Training for the event included regular exercise classes, designed to build stamina and confidence, with participants walking and using wheelchair support where needed.
“We knew this walk would be a real challenge, but the incredible team spirit among our residents, staff, and supporters made all the difference,” said Patrick Maher, Well-being Manager at Chorleywood Manor Care Home. “The way the local community rallied behind us was truly heart warming; their encouragement kept everyone motivated from start to finish.”
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is one of the largest paediatric cancer centres in Europe, treating over 400 children with cancer each year.
Funds raised through this challenge will help create a state-of-the-art children’s cancer centre at GOSH, bringing together world-leading research and specialised care in one place.
Eric added, “I’m proud to have taken part in this challenge. It’s been a meaningful experience, and I hope it encourages others to get involved and support such an important cause.”
