Wigan care staff will walk nearly 30 miles in charity challenge inspired by Captain Tom

Katie Salisbury and Beth Brydges work in the Standish head office of Millennium Care, which has seven care homes in Greater Manchester.

They have decided to walk 29.6 miles to the seven homes in one day, in a fund-raising effort for the Captain Tom Foundation.

They will start at Norley Hall care home on Wednesday, December 9 and pass five more homes before finishing at Lavender Hills, which is set on the peak of a hill in Ramsbottom, Bury.

The pair have previously raised money for good causes together and Katie climbed Snowdon last year in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

This time they have been inspired by the residents across Millennium’s care homes and by Captain Sir Tom Moore and hope to raise £1,000 for his charity.

Residents at each home will show their support by waving banners and flags as Katie and Beth pass and a drone will follow parts of their journey.

Katie said: “We have seen first-hand the impact that the isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic can have on the elderly in our society.

“We have also been truly moved by the strength they have shown during this time, particularly those in our care, who have shown true resilience and echoed the spirit of Sir Tom Moore.”

Captain Sir Tom hit the headlines earlier this year when he pledged to walk 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday in aid of NHS Charities Together, to show his support to workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

He initially aimed to raise £1,000 but his effort gained massive public support and he reached £30m on his birthday.

He has since set up the Captain Tom Foundation to get as many people as possible walking, talking, spreading hope and easing loneliness.

To sponsor Katie and Beth, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/MillenniumCare.

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