A resident from Barchester’s Alice Grange care home in Ipswich has shaved her lovely locks for the hair-raising amount of over £1000 for Parkinson’s UK.
Staff and residents at Alice Grange care home in Ipswich have been helping and supporting resident Margaret Bilner as she bravely shaved off her gorgeous pink hair to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.
Margaret, who volunteers to be the home’s Resident Ambassador, supporting new residents in their first few days, initially asked Activities Coordinator Penny to help her to arrange the event for World Parkinson’s Day in 2020, but the pandemic meant that this could not go ahead. Penny has helped Margaret raise funds for the charity, her initial target was £300. She raised this early in her sponsorship. This made Margaret more determined to raise a full £1000! The local community has been incredibly supportive of Margaret.
Staff and customers at Claydon post office where Margaret’s daughter works raised £300. The White Horse in Kirton where Margaret was taken for a surprise outing to see her favourite Elvis impersonator Andy Ottley, helped raise another £57.00. Andy also raised awareness of Margaret’s head shave while out and about entertaining and raised a further £62.00, all adding to Margaret’s overall grand total which once all is collected will exceed her goal of £1000.
Parkinson’s UK provide specialist support services, fund research and connect different kinds of support networks to those living with Parkinson’s Disease. The purpose of brave the shave is to help raise money that will help Parkinson’s UK make sure no one has to face this disease without support and information. Margaret is particular keen for the funds she raises to go to the local Ipswich & East Suffolk branch of Parkinson’s UK who have been a great support to her.
Andrea Crowley General Manager at Alice Grange Care Home, said: “Our team at the home have all been supporting Margaret with donations to help smash her target of £300. Parkinson’s UK is a fantastic charity which we try to support in any way we can. We are very glad to be able to do our bit to raise further awareness and money for the charity. Other people would be daunted at the idea of shaving their heads, but Margaret is a very determined lady.”
At Barchester Healthcare our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
We are welcoming new residents into our homes to ensure that we are there for those that need care and support, and have a very clear protocols that must be met including a transition period into our home to help keep everyone safe. Please do give us a call on 01473 333551 if you are looking for care or need any further help.
Alice Grange is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Alice Grange provides nursing care, residential care, dementia care and respite care.
