Care Home Activities Lead Walks 29km to Enhance Residents’ Lives

A dedicated member of team at Toray Pines Care Home in Coningsby has gone the extra mile—literally—to raise hundreds of pounds to enhance the lives of the residents she supports every day.

Sophie, the home’s Lifestyles Lead, completed an impressive 29km Lakes Ultra challenge through the breathtaking Lake District, tackling the demanding route from Kendal to Ambleside to raise funds for new interactive equipment for the home.

Her determination and commitment were rewarded with an incredible £920 in donations from family, friends, the local community and supporters. Thanks to an additional contribution from Tanglewood Head Office, the home has now been able to purchase a refurbished interactive tablet, which will soon be available for residents to enjoy.

The new tablet will provide a wide range of engaging activities, including reminiscence sessions, interactive games, music, quizzes and sensory experiences. It will be particularly beneficial for residents living with dementia while also ensuring those who are less mobile or prefer to spend time in their rooms can continue to enjoy meaningful activities and social engagement.

Reflecting on the challenge, Sophie said:

“I wanted to do something that would make a lasting difference for our residents. Every step was for them. It was incredibly tough, with some very steep climbs, and I definitely felt every kilometre, but crossing the finish line knowing why I was doing it made it all worthwhile. I’m so grateful to everyone who donated and supported me. Knowing the tablet will soon be here for our residents makes every ache and pain worth it.”

Home Manager Evangeline Girling praised Sophie’s achievement, saying:

“We are incredibly proud of Sophie. She is passionate about making every day special for our residents, and this challenge perfectly demonstrates her dedication. The support from our local community has been overwhelming, and thanks to everyone’s generosity, our residents will soon benefit from equipment that will provide enjoyment, stimulation and connection for years to come.”

The fundraising initiative reflects Toray Pines Care Home’s commitment to providing enriching, person-centred experiences that support residents’ wellbeing, independence and quality of life. The interactive tablet will become a valuable addition to the home’s activities programme, helping residents stay connected, stimulated and engaged.

The team at Toray Pines Care Home would like to thank everyone who donated, shared Sophie’s fundraising journey and offered words of encouragement along the way. Their generosity has transformed one remarkable challenge into a lasting investment that will benefit residents for years to come.