Pensioner with dementia walks 8km for research into his condition

Carel Quaife (80), a resident of Scalford Court nursing home at Melton, with night time leader Suzanne Parker, who walked 8km together to raise money for dementia research EMN-161110-130235001

Carel Quaife, a resident at Scalford Court in Melton, took part in the Memory Walk nationwide fundraiser organised by the Alzheimer’s Society.

He was accompanied by Suzanne Parker, a night time leader at the care home, on a walk organised at Abbey Park in Leicester. They raised around £280 for the cause.

Scalford Court director Mave McLaughlin said: “I’m very proud of them both for doing this walk.

“I have been in the care home industry since 1983 and this is the first time I’ve been aware of any dementia resident doing a sponsored walk for charity.”

Carel, who used to be an instructor for the British Canoe Union, lived in Harby before his developing dementia led to him moving into the home in January.

Susanne came up with the idea of doing the sponsored walk and suggested Carel might like to do it because he remains physically fit.

Mave added: “We got permission from Carel’s wife and he seemed to enjoy the walk. He loves the T-shirt and the medal he received from doing it.”

The Leicester Memory Walk was one of 31 which took place across the UK this month.