Carer raising money for dementia garden in Thornton care home by running 10k in PPE

Julie Dean, 55, works at Thornton House on Whimbrel Drive, and decided to raise money for a dementia garden to ensure residents had somewhere safe to relax outdoors, after their regular day trips were cancelled due to Covid-19.

On May 7, Julie aims to run 10k on the spot in full PPE, to raise money for flowers, raised beds for vegetables, safe flooring and seating in the shade for residents with dementia.

Julie said: "I only started working at Thornton House in July 2019 but it's the best job I've ever had, I love it.

"There are 45 residents at the home and we used to take our residents with dementia on day trips, but we can't now they're all in isolation and can no longer have family visitors.

"We've set up a Whatsapp group so they ca still communicate with relatives, but we'd really love for them to be able to enjoy the outdoors too."

Julie and fellow staff members are hoping to raise £500 to create the garden, and Julie's personal training past will help her smash her 10k goal.

She continued: "I was a personal trainer for years, and I still teach Boxercise to our residents as well as visualisation and relaxation techniques.

"A new garden will really help with that, and it's important to keep everyone safe and happy. We can't bring what's going on in the world outside into work with us, they have to feel secure."

To donate towards Julie's cause, visit her Just Giving page.