Festive Carers Join Forces to Fundraise for Dementia

Two local home care providers have raised thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Society in honour of this year’s National Elf Day.

The teams at Bluebird Care South Northumberland and Bluebird Care Newcastle and South Tyneside joined forces earlier this month to run an impressive 10 km while dressed as festive elves, raising money and awareness for dementia.

Battling horrendous weather conditions, the group of seven little elves set off from North Shields Fish Quay, led by Directors Wah Akram and David Haswell. The group ran through Tynemouth priority and up to the Spanish City in Whitley Bay and back – being cheered on all the while by friends, family and colleagues.

An amazing £1800 was raised by the leading local home care provider for Alzheimer’s Society. The money is enough to fund three weeks of PhD student research into dementia, which is critical to hopes of finding a cure for the condition.

This is the third year Bluebird Care, who provide care in people’s own homes, have supported the national fundraising day, and each year they manage to raise more money for the important cause.

While their team mates set off for the run, other members of the local Bluebird Care branches showed their support for Elf Day by dressing up and donning Christmas jumpers and elf hats. Games and fundraising activities took place across the region as Care Assistants carried out their usual visits to customers in the community, bringing some festive cheer as they provided care and support to people at home.

Those who donated to the Elf Day activities have also been entered in a prize draw. Donors received a football card which gave them a chance to become the winner of a hamper full of £500 worth of goods – as a reward for their kindness and contribution.

Wah Akram, Director of Bluebird Care Northumberland South, said:

David Haswell, Director of Bluebird Care Newcastle and South Tyneside said: