Care home resident and his dog walking to raise money for Cancer Research

A 95-year-old care home resident and his faithful dog are set to walk 50 laps around the “stunning” grounds of their care home in an ambitious attempt to raise £500 for Cancer Research UK.

Colin Evans, 95, and his dog Rusty from Sway Place, Lymington in Hampshire will both be wearing a festive outfit for the challenge.

With Mr Evans in a Santa suit and Rusty dressing up as a reindeer, the duo will be completing the challenge over a seven-day period, starting on 12th December til 18th December where it is expected Mr Evans and Rusty will complete around 15,880 steps.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic this year, Mr Evans’ 50-lap challenge is in support of Cancer Research and this year it will be more important than ever to donate to this vital cause.

Cancer Research UK is also a charity which Colin has a personal connection to after he survived bowel cancer earlier in his life.

Mr Evans said: “During the pandemic, I have seen how charities have been hit hard, with thousands of fundraising events cancelled and vital research being stopped.

"As a cancer survivor, I want to do something to give back as, without vital charities like Cancer Research UK, I would not be here today living such a wonderful and joyful life.

“I am hoping to raise £500 as I am aware that every penny will help in the fight against cancer. I live in such a wonderful care home and I am looking forward to carrying out a Reindeer dash with my beloved furry friend, Rusty. He’ll be wearing his reindeer outfit and I will be in my Santa outfit walking around the stunning path of the home 50 times.”

Mr Evans has decided he will start the challenge on the birthday of his late wife. “I am commencing the dash on the birthday of my late wife, Jean, whom I was married to for 73 glorious years! 50 laps will be one of my biggest achievements yet, but I know with the support of my wonderful friends and staff who are my extended family I can do anything!”

’We hope many get behind Colin and his beloved Rusty’

Recognising Colin’s ambitious challenge, Cancer Research UK have sent him a personal letter of thanks where they noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many cancer treatments and clinical trials to have been postponed or suspended.

Rachel Bedford, general manager at Gracewell of Sway, said: “The entire Gracewell of Sway care home will be cheering Colin on when he begins his remarkable challenge on 12th December.

"We hope that many agree with the pressing need to support Cancer Research UK and get behind Colin and his beloved Rusty to help make a real difference in our fight against cancer.”

To support Colin Evans to help him reach his £500 target, please visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/colins-and-rusty-the-reindeer-doggy-dash

click here for more details or to contact Sway Place