Bike Marathon at Thorp House
For they will be pedalling 433 miles – the equivalent distance of Griston to Land’s End in Cornwall – on a stationary exercise bike in the lounge of the Kingsley Healthcare-run home. Home manager Kirsty Holden said: “Some of my staff are already quite fit fortunately, but everyone is eager to have a go as it is for a really good cause – we are raising money for our residents’ fund to pay for extra outings and activities.” The marathon will begin at 8am on May Day bank holiday Monday (May 7) and is likely to finish close to midnight the following day.
“All my staff are going to take their turn on the bike and we will be going right through the night,” said Mrs. Holden. “On both days we will be inviting local people to come in and cheer us on. “Because the cycling route would be taking us through Devon and Cornwall we will be offering visitors traditional cream teas; Bath is also on the route so there will be Bath buns too! “There will be no charge for refreshments but we will be asking for voluntary sponsorship donations.” Activities coordinator Marcia Hughes said: “Exercise plays an important part in my activities with the residents and we are noticing the benefits in improved mobility. “We do Tai chi and balloon football and have started using a step machine.”
She added that Kingsley Healthcare was also investing in Oomph Wellbeing training to inject more fun and activity into residents’ lives. “Oomph includes special chair-based exercises I can do with residents,” she said. She added that during the two days of the marathon she would be inviting local sports people, including a martial arts club and body builders group, to come into the home to give displays.
Anyone willing to sponsor the team on their cycle marathon is invited to call the home on 01953-881786.
