Loreburn Housing have seven Later Living Developments providing housing for those aged 55 and over. They are located in Annan, Dumfries, Castle Douglas, Wigtown and Stranraer
Due to lockdown and covid restrictions the residents were unable to get out and about as normal, spending more time indoors, being less active and placing them at higher risk of falls.
Later Living Development Managers who work within each development wanted to encourage more physical activity and the benefits that brings not only physically but mentally and socially too.
Marie Curie run a ‘Step in to Spring’ Charity Challenge during March with participants being encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day. Helen Slavin & Louise McCormick, Later Living Development Managers based at Millburn Court, Stranraer recognised that for the less mobile residents that distance would be too challenging. In light of this they came up with a solution and that was when the ‘Every Step Counts’ challenge idea was born. The step totals of all those taking part would be added collectively. Distance didn’t matter, it was a team effort and for those who were unable participate they were able to nominate a friend or family member to take their place.
Later Living staff, residents and their friends and family were provided with a pedometer to record their steps and the 4 week challenge commenced on 8th March. Louise said ‘ to make the challenge a bit more engaging the group progress was tracked on a ‘virtual walk map’. On day one the team set off from Gretna walking across Dumfries & Galloway to the Mull of Galloway. Helen said ‘ we were amazed that the walk which we thought would take all 4 weeks of the challenge was completed at the end of the first week. That spurred us on and we completed another 4 virtual walks – North Coast 500, Historic Dumfries and Galloway and finally Iona to Lindisfarne.
The weather during the 4 weeks was really good and all those who took part had lots of fun.
One of the residents said ‘I set a weekly target and managed to increase the distance walked week on week. I’ve really enjoyed getting out and chatting to people on my walks. I’m sleeping and eating better.
A Just Giving Page was set up to enable family and friends to donated and post words of encouragement. The page is still open for donations. If you wish to donate the link is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/later-living-team-loreburn-housing-association
Collectively 1701 miles were walked, the equivalent distance from Stranraer to Lisbon. A huge achievement for everyone involved and raising a fantastic £2523.50 for Marie Curie in the process.
Elma Mitchell, Marie Curie said ‘what at an amazing amount for you all to raise and who would have believed this could achieved as you started out on your Step Challenge . This is really appreciated by us all at Marie Curie and those who benefit from our services locally in Dumfries & Galloway.
The figure raised will fund 126 hours of nursing care .
Loreburn Housing Association staff would like to thank most sincerely all those who took part, donated raffle prizes and bought raffle tickets, Marie Curie daffodil pins, raised sponsorship and donated.
