Mamma Mia! What a musical marathon success at Branksome Heights Care Home

Branksome Heights Care Home brought the West End to Bournemouth for a 12-hour charity musical marathon that looks set to raise at least £250 for local charity Sophie’s Legacy.

Staff and residents at the Kingsley Healthcare home, in Branksome Wood Road, were inspired by a recent trip to The Bournemouth Pavilion to see Jamie Lee Dance Academy’s popular annual show.

Two students from Jamie Lee Dance Academy, home manager Rebecca Hebditch’s 16-year-old daughter Grace and Elouisa Adams, 15, launched the event at 10am on Saturday <20th May> with an hour-long performance, covering songs from a range of musicals and leading a sing-along with residents.

Musical-themed activities kept going throughout the day, including an Oliver!-themed lunch with staff dressing up for the occasion. Mrs Hebditch’s youngest son, Henry, nine, played the part of Oliver.

Mrs Hebditch said: “Lots of lovely visitors came in to support us during the day and make donations to Sophie’s Legacy which supports hospitals across the South to improve the experience and facilities for families with seriously ill children.

“We had a chocolate raffle and a bottle tombola which is still going. We hope to have raised at least £250 for the charity when all the money has come in.”

Lifestyle coordinator Paige Parker made cupcakes, decorated with musical notes, that were donated to Sophie’s Legacy representative Andrew McCall to distribute to local hospitals for families with sick children.

Mr McCall gave a presentation on the charity which has been adopted by Branksome Heights as its charity for the year.