MY STORY

I am undertaking a 36-hour non-stop series of ZOOM coffee-infused conversations with people from Northern Ireland and around the world to raise money for a new and innovative 60 bedded dementia, nursing and residential care home called Copelands at Millisle.

This very exciting project has special personal significance as my mother lived with dementia in the last period of her life. Fundamental to me is how Copelands will incorporate and champion BCM's proven holistic approach to an individuals' care.

The initial target of £20,000 will go towards the furnishing of ten residents bedrooms. If we reach and exceed that, we will follow a rolling target room by room at an estimated cost of £2,000 per room. Please see below the price of individual items if that helps your decision making.

The challenge is being supported by Ashvale Farm Shop and Tea Room at Bailiesmills, Lisburn, who are very kindly supplying me with delicious goodies to keep me going for the 36 hours. My sincere thanks to them.

The event is also being sponsored by Cleaver Fulton Rankin, law firm and by Musgrave Cash & Carry. Our huge thanks to them for their support.

As part of the 36-hour challenge, I will also be participating in a programme of ZOOM events that will be open to supporters and members of the public using the zoom details as follows:

Meeting ID 93354372692 Passcode 880474

Tuesday 30th March

8 pm - Aerobics exercise; David is taken through his paces by Carmel Hart, Food & Nutrition department, Methodist College Belfast. Everyone is encouraged to participate especially in a mass Zoom "Jerusalema" and other feet tapping exercise routines.

10 pm - Dementia and faith; Conversation with Rev David Campton, Superintendent, Belfast Central Mission and Mrs Sally Campton, Community Engagement Manager, Abbeyfield and Wesley.

Wednesday 31st March

6 pm - David demonstrates how to bake a non-butter courgette and lime cake. (Recipe & method will be accessible via BCM's facebook @wearebcmni)

9 pm - What is dementia awareness training and why is it important? Ms Shelagh McCaughan, Board Member, Belfast Central Mission and Mr Tim Rankin, Cleaver Fulton Rankin explore the personal and professional challenges and implications of dementia awareness training and when a relative with dementia needs more support. This event is being sponsored by Cleaver Fulton Rankin.

9.20 pm - David brings his 36-hour challenge to an end with words of appreciation and challenge.

A video conversation about dementia in sport with Niall Annett, (former Ulster and presently Worcester Warriors - a club that is a double award winner for its dementia-friendly outreach) will be posted on BCM's facebook @wearebcmni

Check out the programme of events and join in via the BCM Facebook page (@wearebcmni)

When it opens later this Spring, Copelands will:

- provide practice-leading care which ensures a genuine home-from-home where people can enjoy fulfilling lives with respect and dignity;

- promote a genuinely person-centred approach which will allow for close interaction between residents and staff;

- encourage active decision-making and participation in day-to-day tasks and

- benefit from Belfast Central Missions (BCM) considerable experience.

For further information on Copelands, including a walk-through video, click on www.copelands.org.uk or if you want to share this page with others you can use this link https://bit.ly/3lFaTqw

Cost of individual items per bedroom;

Armchair £202

Desk chair £241

Wardrobe £453

Dressing table £226

Chest of drawers £338

Bedside locker £207 for two

Bedside lamp £98 for Two

Bed £207

Headboard £114

Mirror £34