Supporters cycle closer to sensory garden goal
Staff and supporters of a Bridgwater dementia care home have come up with a new fundraising project to bring their plans for a sensory garden closer to realisation.
Following on from a sponsored motorbike ride at the end of 2024 which raised £775, the team of colleagues and residents’ friends and family members are pushing ahead with a new round of fundraising, starting off with a week’s dedicating cycling on spin bikes at Avalon Nursing Home on Taunton Road.
Their goal is to cycle 194 miles – the equivalent of the distance from Avalon to St Budeaux in Plymouth, which is where one of their sister homes, Butterfly Lodge, is located. Both homes are run by award-winning care providers Camelot Care.
Avalon’s activities co-ordinator, Lisa Priddice, said: “We will be using a static bike installed in the reception area of Avalon, and all the staff from all teams and visitors staff members and relatives have committed to take their turns at riding them.
“We’re inviting people to put on fancy dress if they so wish – it is officially spring now, after all - and we’re all feeling very inspired to get involved and make the dream of our sensory garden into reality this year.
“Our fundraising will cover the costs of landscaping, plants, seating and sensory features like water installations and wind chimes.
“Our aim is to create a beautiful garden which will provide a safe and welcoming sanctuary for Avalon’s residents and serve as a comforting space where families and caregivers can connect with their loved ones.
“Our fundraising target is £200 or more, and we will be very grateful for any donations that help us achieve our goal.”
Anyone wanting to pledge sponsorship for the cycle ride can do so <<Friends of Avalon Volunteer group at go fund me https://gofund.me/57810a26.
Avalon provides a wide variety of activities and outings for the people living with dementia who they support - all devised to keep them engaged and living their best lives for as long as possible.
The home is run by award-winning dementia care providers Camelot Care who also have homes in Wellington, Plymouth and Yeovil, with a fifth set to open in Holsworthy later this year.
