Marathon couple light up Holehird

Nick and Diane organised the Bentham Marathon in May 2019 in memory of Nick’s mother Valerie, who was a resident at Leonard Cheshire’s Holehird care home in Windemere for four years. The couple managed to raise over £4000 for the service in what was also the pair’s landmark 100th marathon.

The funds have since gone towards a sensory trolley for Holehird residents to enjoy.

‘We are extremely grateful to Nick and Diane for their incredible fundraising efforts last year, which have enabled us to purchase this fantastic piece of equipment,’ commented Judy Hyland and Emma Connolly, deputy managers at Holehird.

‘The trolley will no doubt benefit all of Holehird’s residents in years to come.’

The unit comes equipped with a range of materials to enhance the environment and encourage independence, imagination and cognitive development for people who have had brain injuries. This includes materials like sensory silks and pebbles, UV lights, projectors, music amplifiers, an ‘infinity tunnel’ and an aromatherapy unit.

The lights and effects can be extremely comforting for those interacting with it and can also help reduce anxiety for those who may be otherwise unable to express their fears.

The mobile unit can be moved around the home, allowing it to be used individually in residents’ bedrooms but also in the main lounge as part of a social activity for everyone to enjoy.

‘Nick and I are so proud that the money we raised through our 100 marathon challenge has been able to contribute towards Holehird purchasing a sensory trolley,’ Diane Armstrong said. ‘We are so pleased as this is something that every resident at Holehird will be able to benefit from!’

Media enquiries

For further information and high res images please contact Erin O’Reilly via erin.o’reilly@leonardcheshire.org.