Topsham care home residents row 300 miles in week-long charity challenge

Residents and staff at a care home in Topsham have completed a week-long indoor rowing challenge, raising more than £500 for charity with help from the local community.

Participants at Watermeadow Grange care home set themselves the ambitious goal of rowing a combined 300 miles in seven days to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. 

By the end of the challenge, the group had raised £520 for the charity.

READ NEXT: Safety fears as 1,300 sign Exeter street light petition

The event brought together residents, staff and members of the wider community, with local groups stepping in to help the team reach their distance target.

As the challenge progressed, enthusiasm and friendly competition grew among participants. However, with the scale of the target becoming clear, staff put out a call for extra support from the Topsham community.

The appeal was answered by volunteers from the RNLI’s Exmouth branch and members of the Orcombe Sea Swimmers, who visited the care home to help add miles to the collective total.

Among those taking part were three residents in their nineties who completed sessions on the rowing machines, covering a combined two miles between them.

Tanya Williams, home admissions advisor at Watermeadow Grange, praised their determination.

She said: “Three incredible female residents, all over 90, smashed their sessions on the rowing machines, covering two miles between them. Their determination, strength and sheer spirit is something special.

“They are proving that age isn’t a barrier, it’s a badge of honour.”

One of the participants, 97-year-old resident Joyce Banks, said staying active has always been an important part of her life.

“I have always been an active person, hill walking, roller skating and country dancing when growing up, so while I can keep active I will,” she said. “And this was all for a great charity.”

Watermeadow Grange, located in Topsham near Exeter, is part of the Cinnamon Care Collection group, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. 

Funds raised during the challenge will go towards the work of the British Heart Foundation, which supports research into heart and circulatory diseases and provides support for those affected.