Residents and staff get on their bikes for MS Week

Residents and staff from two Healthcare Homes venues were on their bikes yesterday raising money for research into multiple sclerosis through a virtual ride between the two sister homes.

The teams from Meadow House in Swaffham, Norfolk and Park House, in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire took turns to cycle the 65 miles between the homes on fixed bikes in the reception areas.

Meadow House Activity Co-ordinator Jamie Smith said, “Multiple Sclerosis week is one which is very close to our hearts as a number of our residents here at Meadow House are living with the condition.

“ We always try and raise awareness of MS and do fundraising throughout the year but concentrate our efforts particularly on the awareness week. We hope to beat our fundraising total from last year which was £1,000.”

Multiple Sclerosis is unpredictable and different for everybody. Symptoms can come and go and change over time, and it’s difficult to know how your condition might progress. During #MSAwarenessWeek (from 25 April – 1 May) the society is shining a light on the uncertainty of living with the condition.

Meadow House, which is rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, has a whole week of activities taking place to mark MS week raising money for the charity and including a collection day at Tesco in Swaffham, a coffee and cake morning at the home and a dunk the boss event with Home Manager Joanna Jankowska in the hot seat.

Both Park House and Meadow House are part of the Healthcare Homes family of 48 homes and 11 homecare branches in the east and south of England.

Meadow House in Swaffham provides residential and nursing care to elderly people living in Norfolk. The home also has a young persons disability unit and specialises in care for people with multiple sclerosis. Park House in Peterborough provides residential, nursing and dementia care for elderly people living in the local area of Peterborough.

Pip Rich