A campaigner born with cerebral palsy is taking part in her own triathlon event to raise money for her mum’s dementia care home in Huddersfield.
Gemma Blagbrough, 44, of Huddersfield, was part of a campaign group of families who successfully fought against the closure of two Kirklees Council-run dementia care homes.
The council had wanted to shut both Castle Grange in Newsome and Claremont in Heckmondwike to save money but backed down after a public campaign.
Now Gemma, whose mum Janet has early onset dementia and lives at Castle Grange, is planning a fundraiser on Saturday September 21. All the money raised will go to the home’s amenities fund.
With the help of personal trainer Matt Swierzynski, of Matt Swaz Fitness, Gemma has planned her own triathlon challenge. She will swim for an hour at Spen Valley Leisure Centre in Liversedge and then ride a bike with the Huddersfield-based cycle charity Streetbikes for an hour.
Gemma, who walks with elbow crutches, will round off the challenge with a walk around the gardens of Castle Grange from 2.30pm and hopes residents and staff will join in too.
Gemma said: “The staff at Castle Grange are so special and you can tell they love their jobs. They really care for residents and their families.”
People can help by donating online at https://gofund.me/db932b55 or by donating a gift card for a Gift Card Raffle to be held at Castle Grange after the walk.
The proceeds of the raffle will pay for admin fees such as entry to the swimming pool and the cost of the Streetbikes session as well as care packs for all the staff at Castle Grange.
Supporters can cheer Gemma on at the Streetbikes session, held at Spen Valley Athletics Track next to Spen Valley Leisure Centre, from 12.30pm or from 2.30pm at Castle Grange.
