Katherine House resident, John, has lived a life of adventure. He joined the Army at 16 years old and later transferred to aircraft tech to work on Apache and Lynx helicopters, before becoming a Commando in the Navy. John’s previous achievements for the community include completing the Great North Run for charity, something that has always meant a lot to him.
Wellbeing Coordinator, Sabina, began to work with John to support him to rebuild his confidence in later life and to find new challenges to motivate and inspire him. John was supported to create his very own personal challenge of fundraising for the Stroke Association charity, a cause very close to his heart.
John began a one-month walking challenge to raise money for people affected by stroke, their ongoing specialist care and rehabilitation. A fundraising page was set up for him and this was regularly promoted by the home on social media to encourage donations to his chosen charity.
Many staff members generously donated money to show their support for John’s efforts. The Wellbeing Team joined John for walks and supported other residents to join him for encouragement. John walked an average of an amazing four miles a day across The Downs in Bristol, even in the heat of the summer and he was incredibly motivated by this project. All staff in the home helped to cheer John on every day before his walks and he became the talk of the home, with all his fellow residents rooting for him.
John raised an amazing £770 for the Stroke Association, £385 of which was raised by staff and friends of the home through his donation page and the remainder of which was kindly matched and donated by The Cote Charity. What a great achievement! We couldn’t be more proud of John and can’t wait to see what adventures he’ll plan next.