Member Article

Fearless foursome raise thousands for Kenyon Lodge care home

Staff at a care home in Manchester have raised over £3,000 to fund sensory equipment to support residents living at Kenyon Lodge in Little Hulton.

Four carers from the 60-bed residential and Nursing care home on Manchester Road. braved the 10,000ft dive out of a plane at Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, raising £3,200 which was donated by residents, relatives, and the local community.

Funds raised will go towards a state-of-the-art interactive touch table, which is designed to support older people with sensory and interactive activities.  

One of the skydivers was Kirsty Thompson, a senior healthcare assistant at Kenyon Lodge, she said, “We priced up the interactive table and just knew we needed to do something big to raise the amount needed.

“We had so much support from residents and their families – it was an amazing experience for such a good cause.”

With many residents living with dementia at the home, the interactive touch table is easily accessible and will provide sensory activities, including brain training apps and music and entertainment functions. 

Another daring diver, healthcare assistant Hashaam Ijaz said, “Kirsty asked if I would be up for the challenge – I was worried because I have a fear of heights, but once she explained the good it would do for our residents, I couldn’t say no.”

Resident, Gwen Isherwood said, “They pulled it off – thank you, you are all amazing – get in lads, show them what you’ve got!”

Home manager at Kenyon Lodge, Shaun Morrissy added, “We are so proud of all the jumpers and we can’t thank residents, families and the local community enough for digging so deep.

“Although a significant amount was raised, interactive touch tables cost around £7,000, so Abbey Healthcare, the company that owns Kenyon Lodge has pledged to make up the difference.

“The touch table will make a big difference to the lives of our residents now and in the future and we are delighted to be able to provide this added benefit.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Samara Ullmann .