Our residents smashed their £1,000 fundraising target

Leading the challenge were the ‘Bramley Ramblers’, our home’s much-loved walking group, supported by dedicated team members and joined by fellow residents and family members.

Every member of the Bramley Ramblers lives with dementia, making the fundraising particularly meaningful for those involved.

“I feel proud to be part of the fundraising for Dementia UK, especially knowing what it feels like to live with a dementia” said Phil Christal, 82, who loves the rambling club and has lived with us at Bramley Court for just over a year.

“You don’t really know where you are with dementia, it comes in bursts and it’s unpredictable, but the team here are very attentive to people’s conditions and understand how important it is for us to keep going” he continued.

“I don’t know what lies ahead but I’m not taking it lying down. I’m ready to keep fighting. I’m motivated to exercise, I love sports and being part of a team, and this fundraising has helped me feel determined to live my best life while helping others with dementia.”

Phil has particularly enjoyed the sense of camaraderie within the group, the solidarity and sharing his passion for exercise and fitness. The Ramblers have worn their official fundraising t-shirts with pride and have explored a range of new locations using our home’s minibus.

“To support this challenge, we’ve been doing a weekly ‘Mystery Walk’ in a surprise location,” explained Carol Morgan, our head of quality.

“We’ve discovered some amazing places, including local nature reserves and orchards, and we’ve loved spending time outdoors. It’s been fantastic to see residents, family members and team members walking together for such an important cause.

“I’m so proud of our residents for raising £1,000. Dementia UK is a charity that means a great deal to us and everyone who wanted to get involved has been able to take part. Every contribution has mattered.

Carol also highlighted the positive impact on families. “We love how our residents’ relatives have embraced the Rambling Club. Supporting those relationships is so important to us and they become part of the ‘Bramley Family’ as well. We truly believe you can live well with dementia, and we are passionate about our residents living their very best lives.”

Resident Betsan Partridge, 84, who moved into our home two years ago, has always enjoyed walking with her husband John. Spending time together in nature has long been important to them, and their daughter Nicky has seen first-hand the benefits of the Rambling Club.

“Mum and Dad have gained so much from their weekly ramble,” she said. “It allows them to continue something they’ve always enjoyed together.

“Conversation can sometimes be one-sided because of Mum’s dementia, so walking together helps to address that balance. Dad appreciates the reassurance of the team’s support and not having to plan the walks himself. It’s sociable, there’s always something new to notice, and it really lifts their mood.”

Our care home manager, Jade Hackett, said, “Exercise and new experiences are such an integral part of life at Bramley Court. Raising money for a charity so close to our hearts has given our residents a real sense of purpose and has done wonders for their confidence and self-esteem.

“Our residents are so active within the community and our Rambling Club is just one example of that. It’s been a fantastic start to the year and there’s plenty more to come.”

Bramley Court Care Home in Histon has 72 en-suite bedrooms and provides high-quality residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. We have a strong commitment to fitness and keeping our residents active. We have been consistently rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and we have a review score of 10/10 on Carehome.co.uk.