Community Comes Together for Caraway Care Home Half Marathon
On a bright and sweltering Saturday morning, our teams of runners and cyclists took to the streets of Southampton for the Caraway Care Home Half Marathon—a unique fundraising challenge that linked all 14 care homes supported by Caraway across the city.
The event was organised to raise vital funds for Caraway and also aimed to shine a light on the challenges of social isolation during National Loneliness Week.
Setting off from Templeton Place in Nursling, we covered over 13 miles, stopping at each care home along the way to deliver a personalised card and share a friendly greeting with staff and residents. The route concluded at Oaklands House on Allington Lane.
Despite the high temperatures, the mood remained upbeat and full of warmth. Many residents welcomed the visitors with smiles, laughter, and stories.
“It was a real joy to chat with the residents,” said Catherine Wood, one of the runners. “I think being visited by a group of sweaty, red-faced, bright yellow runners really tickled people!”
Dave Hendra, Caraway’s Chaplain for Dementia, also took part in the run and was struck by the energy and humour of the residents he met.
“Several older people I chatted to asked jokingly if they could join in—a lovely gentleman called Colin was particularly keen to run with us,” he shared. “And a lady called Jo told us about her years working for a charity—the experience and stories our older people have to offer is just amazing.”
Staff at each home offered a warm welcome and much-needed refreshments.
“The Caraway Care Home Half Marathon wasn’t just about covering miles—it was about raising the profile of the issue of loneliness in later life,” said Dr. Ros Simpson, Trustee for Caraway and one of the cyclists. “By visiting each care home in person, we were able to remind residents that they matter, and that they are an important part of our community.”
We are hugely grateful to those who have supported this fun event – the funds raised will go directly towards our work in the community. There is still the opportunity to donate if you would like to – please follow the link below.
Donations can be made at: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/28376#!/DonationDetails
