CARE and nursing homes from across the Keighley district are coming together for a marathon with a difference.

Residents and staff from more than ten homes will gather at Church Green in the town on Sunday, April 21 – the day of the London Marathon.

They will together aim to run or walk the equivalent of the marathon distance, 26.2 miles.

Each home will be seeking sponsorship to help raise money for their respective activity funds.

During the event, between 1pm and 4pm, community groups will provide entertainment – such as singing and dancing – and members of Keighley St Andrew’s Parish Church will assist with refreshments.

Susan Querstret – activity co-ordinator at Norwood House Nursing Home in Keighley – was looking at a potential event when she was contacted by Dementia Friendly Keighley, which is working with the Bradford Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Alliance on a project linking care homes with communities, and it seemed an ideal opportunity.

"The goal of this marathon is to remind the community that care home residents are an important part of our society and capable of playing an active role in events," says Susan.

"In order to support individuals to live fulfilling lives, it is vital that they continue to be welcomed in the community and asked to participate with others.

"This event aims to engage families and relatives, who will be invited to support and encourage their loved ones. It will also help build active networks by linking multiple care homes with community groups."

Susan says she has seen first-hand at Norwood House the impact that activities can have on the quality of life for residents in homes.

She adds: "When residents become engaged in an activity there are clear improvements not just in their mental health, but also their physical health.

"In order to provide a varied activity programme that can meet the needs of each individual resident, there must be links formed between the community and the care home.

"My hope is that this event, together with support from Dementia Friendly Keighley and the Bradford VCS Alliance, will help to raise awareness in the local area."

Susan would welcome contact from anyone who'd like to volunteer to help at the event, community groups interested in providing entertainment, or anybody who wishes to donate to the participating homes’ activity funds. She can be contacted at Norwood House – email admin@norwoodhouse.co.uk