Care home resident with one hip is walking 103 laps to raise money for Alzheimer's Society

An Aylesbury care home resident has set herself the physical challenge of walking 103 laps around Bartlett’s Residential Care Home grounds in Stone to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The physical challenge she has set herself is quite remarkable, not only because she is 103 years old, but also because she only has one hip.

‘Hilda is an inspiration and Alzheimer’s Society is supporting her all the way’

Hilda Dunscombe had a major operation 13 years ago which left her disabled and only able to walk with the aid of a frame.

In 2001, Ms Dunscombe lost her husband to Alzheimer’s and was inspired by Captain Tom Moore to walk three laps a day around the grounds of the home to raise £1,000 for the charity but thanks to the online donations, the target has already reached nearly £7,000.

Preet Shergill, associate manager of Bartlett’s Residential Care Home said: “She really is an inspirational lady and she is very active. Every morning, Hilda will have her breakfast and read the newspapers. Come 11 o clock, Hilda will go outside and complete her laps.

“We are quite fortunate we have got large grounds. Hilda will normally do a few laps of the home every day.

“Some days she doesn’t want to stop and Hilda will actually do five or six laps.”

Ms Dunscombe was born in London on 16th October 1916 and was married to Stanley James Dunscombe in 1941. Later on in life, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Ms Dunscombe nursed him for several years until his death. She is the mother of three children, grandmother of nine and great grandmother of 11.

She is hoping to finish her 103 laps on 28 May which is the same day Bartlett’s Residential Care Home has its 25 year anniversary.

Mr Shergill said: “We are planning on having a tea party and have some champagne. So we are hoping lockdown will be eased off and her large family will be able to come along and give her a round of applause along with staff and residents.

“Hilda has received so many letters of support from her family and we have printed off messages of support from people who have donated so she can stop off and read them along the way which she really enjoys.”

Ms Dunscombe has always been an active resident at the care home and Mr Shergill said:” Three years ago, we actually organised a local gym to allow her in and do a couple of lengths of the pool. She was 100 at the time.”

Linda Goddard, Alzheimer’s Society area manager for Buckinghamshire, said: “Hilda’s an inspiration and Alzheimer’s Society is supporting her all the way.

“To have surpassed her fundraising target in less than a week is outstanding. We need people like Hilda now more than ever.

“Like all charities, coronavirus has caused a significant blow to Alzheimer’s Society’s income. In the worst case, we predict a loss of income around £30m, just when people with dementia need us the most.

“Never have our services been in such great need and by donating to Hilda’s fundraising page, people can help to keep Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line, 0333 150 3456, going and extend telephone and virtual support such as Singing for the Brain.”

Ms Dunscombe said: “All of us together, as a team can help to defeat dementia.”

To donate money to Hilda Dunscombe’s good cause click here

click here for more details or to contact Bartlett's Residential Care Home