Care Home Workers Walk 26 Miles To Raise More Than £1000

Two care home workers from Reading set out in the night in their finest ‘Glitz and Glamour’ to complete a 26 mile walk in honour of residents with breast cancer.

Care home manager Sonia Da Silva and Tamena Seymour, home coordinator, from Aria Care’s Abbeycrest Care Home took part in The MoonWalk London, which is organised by the breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk.

With the event this year celebrating its 25th anniversary, the pair embraced the ‘Glitz and Glamour’ theme, donning their finest outfits, including tiaras, to walk the 26.2 miles across Clapham Common.

Between them, the pair raised a total of £1534, smashing their original £400 target by over £1000.

The ambitious pair previously completed the Windsor Memory Walk in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society last October and this was their new challenging venture.

Speaking about the event, which took place on Saturday, 20th May, Sonia said: “This year’s walk was very special because it was the 25th anniversary. The atmosphere was amazing, everyone seemed excited.

“We heard about people’s stories; some positive stories about how they won the battle against breast cancer and how the money raised is helping so many people.”

The pair had a great time as they took on the challenge with lots of energy, excitement and optimism.

Tamena said: “Walking through the streets of London during the night and passing by lit up landmarks such as Battersea Power Station, Big Ben, the London Eye; Tower Bridge; St Paul’s Cathedral; Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park was incredible.

“It was brilliant seeing everyone dressed up and determined to achieve their goals. We had family and friends cheering for us at different points throughout the walk.”

It was definitely not an easy task but the two friends supported each other to complete it successfully.

Sonia said: “I don’t think we realised just how hard it was going to be walking throughout the night with no sleep. I didn’t know it was possible, but I fell asleep while walking. Luckily, I was holding on to Tamena and didn’t fall.”

Tamena said: “We became emotional when we passed the finishing line and got our medals. What a great achievement and endurance test for us”.

They learned a lot throughout the challenge and have advised anyone who attempts it next year to “stop and rest”, “sleep well the day before”, and “get a steady supply of coffee”.