Housing Assistant takes on Birmingham Half Marathon to support local retirees
A long-serving Housing Assistant at ExtraCare’s Bournville Gardens Retirement Village is taking on the Birmingham Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd May to raise funds for smart speakers that will help some of the village’s most vulnerable residents feel calm, supported and less isolated.
Lynne at the Wolverhampton 10k Run
Annette Leslie, Village Manager at Bournville Gardens Village commented; “Lynne has been a true inspiration to everyone here at the village. For many months, she has been asking both myself and colleagues what more she could do to help raise funds for Bournville Gardens’ residents. Her passion and determination to make a difference has been evident every step of the way.
Lynne chose to focus her efforts on supporting our most vulnerable residents. It’s a cause that has deeply resonated with both staff and residents, bringing everyone together and creating a wonderful sense of community and purpose throughout the village.”
Lynne adds; “I hope that by raising funds for smart speakers for those with dementia or approaching end of life it will bring people some comfort or entertainment.”
Training has been going well for Lynne who recently completed her first ever Wolverhampton 10k run. She adds; “I earned my first ever medal and completed the run in a time of one hour and three minutes! Bournville Gardens residents keep asking how the training is going which makes me feel that this is all worthwhile. I plan to put the route on show in the village and when my race number comes through, everyone can track my progress on the day via an app that can be downloaded.”
Lynne’s family have been her biggest supporters, however they do “think I am mad for completing the half marathon on my birthday”.
Residents, friends and members of the local community are invited to support Lynne’s fundraising page here: Lynne Bradley-Smith is fundraising for ExtraCare Charitable Trust. For those at the village a sponsorship form is also available at reception at Bournville Gardens Village.
Lynne’s fundraising effort is a true reflection of the compassion at the heart of Bournville Gardens, showing how kindness, determination and community spirit continues to help change lives.
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