ASKING FOR SPONSORSHIP

I am going to do 40 hours of activities with residents at Orchard Lea Care Home between the New Year 2022 and July 2022.

ORCHARD LEA ALLOWED ME TO ENJOY TIME WITH MY MUM AGAIN

My mum, Barbara Williams died September 24th 2021. She had had mixed dementia for the previous 5 years. I have to be honest and say that, as well as it being a privilege, I also struggled with being her main carer, I found it all worrying, frustrating and it took a toll on my career. Eventually I was not able to support her living independently and she went to live at Orchard Lea Care Home. The loving care that she received there meant that she and I could just enjoy spending time together, talking, playing games and looking at photos. I was able to be just her daughter again. The 20 months she spent there were great for the quality of time we had together.

CARE HOMES ARE NOT RICH BUSINESSES

Orchard Lea is not an expensive place to be a resident - but the quality of care is more than money can buy. I quickly came to realise that on the limited fees paid by residents (often by Social Services) meant that there was no spare money to pay for the extra's that can be seen in beautifully landscaped more expensive homes. I immediately pledged to raise money to ensure that staff and residents would feel valued if some of the environment could be enhanced.

THEN COVID HIT

Covid hit shortly after mum went to Orchard Lea. In summer 2021 we could see her in the garden in the beautiful weather we had. Mum had always loved her garden with it's flowers and plants. But I could see that, despite the large, enclosed garden, the budget at Orchard Lea didn't extend far into this space.

MAKING THE OUTDOOR SPACE POSSIBLE

Therefore I am raising money to buy furniture and a Gazebo for the patio, so that residents, staff and families can enjoy the potentially beautiful garden at the home. This will enable safer visiting in an outside space for family and friends whilst the residents are able to be comfortable and shaded.