Our Home Manager’s Charity Climb for Dementia

Our incredible Home Manager is taking on an astounding charity challenge. In February, Claire Anderson is travelling to Tanzania with her husband Ross to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. This challenge not only fulfils a huge personal dream for them, but will also raise money for a cause close to their hearts: their local community group that supports people living with dementia.

The Challenge

Claire and Ross are setting out to reach the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at a staggering 5,895 metres, the challenge will be a difficult but incredibly rewarding experience. The pair are already busy training for their climb and you can follow their social media pages to witness their training, the challenges they overcome and the breathtaking views from the top of the iconic mountain.

The Cause

For Claire and Ross, this challenge is symbolic of the uphill battle faced by those affected by dementia and their families. The Berwick & District Friends of Dementia work tirelessly to provide support, services and advocacy for individuals living with dementia and their families. By supporting Claire and Ross’s climb, you will be contributing to awareness programmes that help educate the community about dementia; support services offering support groups for carers and families; and funding for valuable wellbeing trips.

Claire’s family has had personal experience with Berwick & District Friends of Dementia group. Claire’s grandad Ron Hopper attended the group in his final years along with her nana Shirley Hopper, and the impact the group’s support had cannot be understated. The challenges surrounding dementia are also well-known to us at Hillside Lodge Care Home in Berwick-upon-Tweed, where we strive to provide compassionate, expert dementia care every day.

Community projects like these are hugely important to create a dementia-friendly community where families affected by the condition are understood and fully supported. Your support can make a huge difference to their efforts, and every donation, big or small, helps them reach their fundraising goal. You can also help by sharing their story to spread the work about their mission and inspire others to join the cause. Residents at Hillside Lodge have also been sending her encouragement and support throughout the pair's training!

To support Claire and Ross’s extraordinary adventure and stay up to date with their progress, please click here to visit their Fundraising Page.

Good Luck, Claire!