Family raises awareness of dementia with walk from Littlehampton Pier to Worthing Pier

Kim Brennan and her family walked 10 miles to celebrate the life of her mum, Joyce Guppy, a resident at Guild Care’s specialist dementia home, Haviland House in Worthing.

Kim said: “Joyce is a very special mum, nan, sister and friend. We are grateful to Haviland House, which strives to deliver a warm and welcoming family atmosphere, trying their best to make it feel like a home.

“We cannot give the staff enough praise for the support they provide. They take such great care of mum and all the other family members at Haviland in such a kind and patient manner. It was an absolute pleasure to raise some sponsorship money for Haviland House as our way of giving a little help along the way.

“We also hope our walk has helped to raise some awareness of the many people living with dementia, and the positive support network that Haviland House can provide to those who have loved ones afflicted with the disease.”

Kim and her family have raised £1,705 for Haviland House.

Lucy Brennan, Kim’s daughter Lucy, said: “While I haven’t been able to visit my nan for several months due to coronavirus, which has been incredibly difficult, I have comfort knowing that the care and wellbeing staff at Haviland House are doing a wonderful job taking care of her.

“I hope the money we have raised will help contribute a little for them to continue with their good work and wellbeing activities.”

The family, Patrick Brennan, Verity Brennan, Kim Brennan, Eileen Brennan, Kate Brennan, Lucy Brennan, Louise Hardy and baby Fearne Hardy, managed to complete their walk before the Rule of Six came into place.

Eileen Garbutt, wellbeing and activities co-ordinator at Haviland House, said: “I really can’t thank Kim and her family enough for raising this amazing amount of money for us.

“The mental health and wellbeing of the people we care for at Haviland House is so important and any contributions are very gratefully received.

“We have already bought iPads, a PA system and microphones for our singalongs and entertainment. Thank you so much.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.