Member Article

Taking care to marathon lengths

The chief executive of a Hull-based care organisation has marked 25 years with the company by walking 25 miles in one day, calling at eight of the company’s homes.

Penni Brown, chief executive of the not-for-profit Hica Group, completed the walk raising at least £3000 for the SHINE fund, used to benefit the users of the Hica Group’s services.

On her 25-mile route, Penni visited eight of the organisation’s care homes where she was met by residents and staff, showing their support and cheering her on to reach the finish line. Starting at Horrox Court, where she began her career with Hica as a manager, she also visited Albemarle in Heddon, Elm Tree Court, Wilton Lodge, Raleigh Court and Isaac Robinson Court in Hull, Overton House in Cottingham and The Hollies in Hessle.

Penni spent several months training for the walk alongside project coordinator and colleague, Cameron Innes. She completed the walk in 10 hours and 50 minutes, joined by some of her team and residents along the way.

She said: “Walking 25 miles was definitely a challenge. To prepare for the walk, I followed a tough training regime.

“I am very thankful to Cameron, who continually spurred me on and encouraged me to keep going to everyone who walked with me on the day and to everyone who made a donation. Some mornings, I woke up at 5am to train and although it was difficult, I was determined to succeed because of the amount of people that supported me to take on the walk and I know that the money I raised will make such a difference to the people we support.

“I’m very proud that while marking 25 years with Hica, I have raised important funds for our SHINE initiative.

“The fund enables us to invest in a range of activities, equipment and technology for the people we care for. The money raised from the walk will mean that we can invest in more activities and equipment, which will be hugely beneficial to the people who use our services.”

The Hica Group operates a portfolio of 15 care homes, five of which are for people with a learning disability, along with two retirement villages. The company also runs a care at home service providing approximately 11,500 hours of support and care from four regional offices in the North of England.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .