Care home staff complete midnight mountain climb for charity

Nearly £2,500 has been raised for the Alzheimer’s Society after three care home staff members climbed the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, for the charity.

The team made their task even harder by choosing to complete the 4,409 foot walk at night, leaving at 10pm and successfully reaching the summit at 2.30am.

Joan Arrowsmith, Jayne Fountain and Jackie Cale, who work in the Ledbury Intermediate Care Unit in Herefordshire which is part of the Shaw Healthcare group, took nine hours to complete the whole climb.

Joan Arrowsmith, unit manager at Ledbury ICU, said: “All three of us have professional and personal experience of caring for someone with dementia, and know the devastating effect this disease can have on an individual and their families.”

The fundraisers have already raised £10,000 after walking the Great Wall of China in 2011 and said they hope to start planning a new fundraising challenge in the near future.

Mr Arrowsmith continued: “We managed to get together for a few training walks in the Malvern Hills, but the climb was even tougher than we expected. The low cloud, mist and ice at the summit meant we weren’t able to stay at the top for very long, but it was a fantastic experience to be on top of a mountain at night time, and to see Glen Nevis come alive on the descent as the sun started to come up.

“Every penny raised for the Alzheimer’s Society goes towards supporting families affected by the disease, and funds research into finding a cure. We’re very proud to have raised such a fantastic amount so far and would like to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged us in our latest venture.”

Shaw Healthcare operates over 80 residential and nursing homes throughout the country which provide care for older people and adults with physical, sensory or mental health support needs.