RESIDENTS at a Llangollen care home are putting their best feet forward to raise cash for the NHS in a moving tribute to their hero Captain Sir Tom Moore.
On Friday, April 30, on what would have been the 101st birthday of the man who raised millions for the health service by walking around his garden, people from The Old Vicarage will be taking to their walking shoes, walking sticks and frames for a similar money-spinning challenge.
And the 'Vicarage Dream Team' will be donning fancy dress as they head off on 101 laps of the grounds of the home on their big Walk for Sir Tom.
Among those doing their bit for the NHS will be 100-year-old Ena Strange, who recalled: “I remember hearing about the first heart transplant on the radio. It changed everything. The NHS has opened the door for so many life-saving procedures, which is why a lot of us are still here and for that we are grateful.
“I admire Captain Tom doing what he did. You can feel useless at times, which upsets me, but I can do my bit by walking. I’m going to give it a try.”
Centenarian Ena Strange is also aiming to take part in the sponsored challenge.
Resident Iola Roberts, 87, said: “I thought my end had come for good deeds but Captain Tom showed you’re never too old to raise money for a great cause.
“I hope we will inspire others to do good things, we all have something to give no matter what age you are.”
Old Vicarage staff member Fiona Collins, who has organised the event, said: “We all watched in awe of Captain Tom Moore’s heroic efforts to raise money for the NHS and he’s been a huge inspiration to us all.
“The pandemic has been very difficult, especially for those in their later years like Captain Tom but, regardless of age, he went for it and succeeded and we really want to celebrate that in his memory by doing 101 laps of our oak tree in the Old Vicarage grounds.”
India Large, a student nurse working at the home, said: “I’m really excited to work for the NHS. It’s an honour to work for an organisation that’s been around so long.
“It’s so nice to see the residents at The Old Vicarage putting in so much effort to raise money for the NHS. I believe it will be a really special day.
“It would mean a great deal to those taking part to raise funds to feel they are giving something back to those who have worked incredibly hard in our NHS during the most difficult year.”
If you’d like to donate to the Old Vicarage sponsored walk, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OldVic101Walk or make a donation directly to the home.
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