The Old Rectory in Exeter has been taking part in a unique challenge to raise money for good causes.
Residents and team members have been taking to the treadmill to walk the equivalent of the Devon coastline – a total of 509 miles!
It has all been in aid of the Exeter-based cancer charity, FORCE, and the Alzheimer’s Society.
FORCE stands for Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter. It was founded in 1987 and has grown steadily ever since, covering Exeter, parts of east Devon along with Tiverton and Honiton. In 2004, the charity opened a purpose-built support and information centre. It also runs a shop in Heavitree.
The Alzheimer’s Society provides support, advice, research, and campaigns on behalf of people living with a dementia around the UK.
The home’s Activities Coordinator, Tom Matthews, says: “These are both very important charities here at the Old Rectory. All the residents were very keen on the challenge. We raised £100. Everyone enjoyed the event so much; we have kept the treadmill to continue our journey.”
The Old Rectory, along with the other three award-winning homes in the Southern Healthcare group, believes in the power of keeping their residents fit and active. Trips to local attractions and the seaside are also regular activities, particularly in the summer months.
Devon is the only English county with two coastlines. The north side has tall, rugged cliffs and the UK’s first Biosphere at Braunton Burrows. The south coast boasts the elegant Regency town of Sidmouth and the popular destinations of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, collectively known as the English Riviera.
The South West Coast Path is a 600-mile trail that includes a 90-mile stretch in north Devon and a 115-mile route in the south. The Lonely Planet Guide has rated it as one of the best walks in the world.