Group walks for cancer across two continents

LEADERS from Walfinch home care’s office in Oxford have committed to raising money for the charity Cancer Research UK – and have been joined by colleagues in South Africa.

So far they have raised more than £500, and donations are still coming in.

Amanda Keeler, compliance manager and nominated individual for Walfinch’s Oxford branch, suggested the walk, which involves walking 100 miles in a month.

“I do something for charity every year,” said Amanda.

“I chose Cancer Research UK in memory of my mum and my grandmother, who both died of lung cancer. I also have a friend who is a survivor of several types of cancer, so I want to raise more money for research that could help find new treatments or even a cure.”

Also taking part are Walfinch Oxford franchisee Kam Gill , the branch’s operations manager Sarah Stanbrook, Walfinch chief executive Amrit Dhaliwal, and franchise support managers Julie Farrow and Richard Stanfield.

But the team effort is not confined to the UK. Anine Steyne, Amrit’s PA, and Danielle Engelbrecht, Walfinch accounts co-ordinator, are both joining in the walking challenge from their homes in South Africa.

Signature at Reigate Grange team members, residents and their loved ones united to conclude their Pride month celebrations with a BBQ which saw the home additionally set out its firm commitment to being an LGBTQ+ ally.

The Pride BBQ also marked the appointment of its hospitality services manager Penka Velikova as the home’s first LGBTQ+ ambassador.

She said: “Everybody has the right to be accepted and included in one way or another, regardless of our gender or sexuality.

“But for LGBTQ+ individuals the fear of rejection, exclusion or discrimination is a lot greater as most of us face those on regular basis in our everyday lives. And that goes not just for employees but residents too.

“Feeling safe and being able to be myself at work, being able to express myself in the way I do gender and what my sexuality means for me has helped me to actually focus on my work, be as productive as I can be and love what I do with all of my heart.”

“As an ambassador for the home, I am proud to work with current and future colleagues to ensure we continue to be an inclusive environment for residents, their loved ones and team members.”

In her new role Penka will lead year-round discussion sessions, film nights and coordinate activities featuring songs from LGBTQ+ artists. She will also lead training sessions for current and future care home recruits, all of which is designed to ensure Reigate Grange is an LGBTQ+ advocate and an inclusive environment.