1,000 mile mission impossible success

The event got underway after a Zumba warm up injected a Latin carnival atmosphere and proved to be a big hit with participants. Samantha Neal, a Home Service Advisor at Barchester, led the group with their exercises as she is also a qualified fitness instructor.

Josh Ivins, a local boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, sounded the klaxon to indicate the start of proceedings. Walkers, runners and cyclists, including two sets of tandems, turned out to attempt their chosen course of 5, 7 or 13 miles.

The amount raised by the staff, friends, residents and relatives will go towards the important work of the Barchester Healthcare Foundation and 10 percent will be donated towards the purchase of a specialised chair for Josh. The chair will allow Josh to recline and get into a standing position, promoting his independence as he gets older.

Geoff Pride, Regional Marketing Manager for Barchester Healthcare, said: “The day has been fantastic and I am so glad we have managed to raise a good amount for two excellent causes. It was a great feeling when we hit our 1,000 mile target!”