Fitness challenge sees Upper Beeding care home raise more than £1,000 for St Barnabas House

Valerie Manor Care Home took part in the hospice’s Fit Feb virtual challenge with the help of local health and fitness company, Head Active.

Lockdown has been an isolating time for the care home’s 23 residents, but Fit Feb saw everyone – aged 86 to 100 – come together to take part in activities ranging from puzzles and group quizzes to seated exercises and target throwing.

Zoe Fry, Director at Valerie Manor, said: “Everyone has loved taking part in Fit Feb and raising money for St Barnabas House.

“Our residents have given so much to society during their lives, so having something to focus on and a chance to help their local hospice has been a huge boost to their mental wellbeing during this difficult time.”

Tony, 94, enjoyed taking part, describing it as ‘a lot of fun’ and thanking his carer, Joyce, for coordinating the Fit Feb activities.

“I really enjoyed joining in and wearing the t-shirt,” he said. “It was very nice and a jolly good idea for fundraising.”

Jordan Head, Director at Head Active, which provided free online fitness classes to staff and family members, said: “Together, we’ve raised over £1,000 for St Barnabas House by taking part in Fit Feb.

“Many of our staff and Head Active members have friends and relatives who have been cared for by the hospice, so it’s been great to team up with Valerie Manor and help raise awareness and money for a cause close to all of our hearts.

“Like everyone at the care home, Head Active members also really benefitted from focusing on their mental and physical health during lockdown.”

Jo Bacon, Corporate Fundraiser at St Barnabas House, says, “We are so grateful to Valerie Manor and Head Active who have worked together to take part in Fit Feb, raising over £1,000.

“This generous donation means that many more local people with incurable conditions will receive the care they need, whether this is at the hospice, in their own homes, or at care homes like Valerie Manor.”

Since May 2012, Valerie Manor has raised more than £10,000 for St Barnabas House, whose team regularly visits residents to provide free expert care and support towards the end of life.

To support the care home’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/valerie-manor-stbarnabas