Former England footballer and sports presenter, Chris Kamara, will open a tranquil outdoor walkway at 2pm on Monday, 5 December 2016 to enhance the quality of life for residents at a specialist care centre in Knaresborough.
Designed to provide a peaceful haven for all residents at Thistle Hill Care Home, the walkway, Charlotte’s Way, is named after Charlotte Whittaker, the stepdaughter of Leeds MD, John Middleton, who launched a fundraising campaign after Charlotte suffered a brainstem injury.
John and Charlotte’s mum, Linda, raised £10k to rebuild and reopen a peaceful woodland footpath at the rear of the home which had been shut due to disrepair. Wheelchair accessible, the new trail features rest areas and seating and will be further enhanced by plants to maximise residents’ enjoyment of the vibrancy of the changing seasons.
Charlotte’s brother James, who has collected thousands of pounds for the campaign, is flying in from Tenerife to support his sister and make the family day complete. James and Charlotte worked together in a family bar in Tenerife until Charlotte’s untimely accident two years ago.
John said:
We welcome everyone who has supported our campaign to brighten the lives of residents and their loved ones by creating this tranquil oasis, to join us for the official opening. The support we have received from former carers, residents’ families and the wider community has been inspiring and very much appreciated.
Thistle Hill Care Centre provides 24-hour nursing care for residents who include those with dementia and younger people with physical disabilities or acquired brain injuries. All residents have their own tailored care plan, and the organisation has close links with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
