Residents Put Their Pedal To The Metal In Care Home Charity Cycle

A NEW FOREST care home staged a 75-mile static bike ride to raise funds for a neighbouring day centre – and one of the first ‘in the saddle’ was 87-year-old resident Phyllis Wallbanke.

Phyllis, some of her fellow residents and staff at Colten Care’s Court Lodge pedalled to raise money for The Coates Centre.

The centre, in Lymington, is operated by Oakhaven Hospice and offers free support, information and activities for those whose lives have been impacted by illness or bereavement.

Court Lodge’s volunteer riders cycled the equivalent distance of the 75-mile boundary covered by The Coates Centre.

Phyllis, who managed just short of a mile, said: “It’s a while since I rode one but I used to like riding my bike.

“It’s great exercise and this is for a really great cause.”

Court Lodge held the fundraiser as part of its Winter Wellbeing campaign which it is running in partnership with Oakhaven Hospice Trust and The Coates Centre to help people in the community banish the winter blues and celebrate healthy living.

Free-of-charge activities and events are taking place throughout the winter months – some at Court Lodge, some at The Coates Centre – including exercise sessions, talks, healthy eating demos and other get-togethers.

The first exercise lesson at Court Lodge coincided with the static cycle ride and was also attended by Coates Centre users.

Participants flexed their muscles and stretched their joints with a variety of easy to use equipment.

Court Lodge Home Manager, Sheeja Lolamony said: “It’s wonderful to see users of The Coates Centre and our own residents coming together to enjoy these fun and healthy activities.

“There was lots of laughter and I think you can safely say that any winter blues were well and truly banished!”