Park Lodge team raise £3,000 for wild bird hospital

Company news

Jan 04, 2013

Two people from Park Lodge in Romiley have raised over £3,000 to help care for sick and injured birds.

Nick Bamford, who volunteers weekly at the Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital, was joined by Ken Lee, an occupational therapist technician at Care UK’s Park Lodge, in a sponsored 10 mile walk and 20 mile cycle.

The pair met when Nick came to live at Park Lodge and their efforts will help the hospital to care for more birds until they are well enough to be released back into the wild.

The Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital has a special place in Nick’s heart and he was delighted to be able to raise money for the charity. He explains: “I was very excited to take part in the sponsored walk and cycle with Ken. The other volunteers told us how pleased they are with our help which means more birds can be looked after, including my favourites the snowy and the eagle owls.

“I am so grateful to everybody at Park Lodge, the hospice shop where I work and the other volunteers at the Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital who sponsored us. They were very generous and it was an amazing experience which has made me feel very proud.”

Park Lodge is one of five Care UK community-based hospitals providing treatment and care for adults with mental health conditions. It works with people to develop essential daily living skills that help them to achieve a more independent and fulfilling lifestyle.

Its person-centred approach to care means each individual’s unique aspirations, needs and strengths are considered when creating a personalised programme of care. Residents are given as much freedom as possible which helps to build confidence and involvement with study, voluntary work, sports and new hobbies or interests.

Ken added: “It was a pleasure to take part in the sponsored walk and cycle and help Nick to raise money for the wild bird hospital he loves volunteering at. We also organised a fundraising day at a garden centre which contributed over £400 to our total.”

Nick and Ken were delighted that Care UK contributed £1,000 towards their final total through its Working with the Community scheme. The initiative was set up in 2008 to support the hundreds of Care UK employees who take part in fundraising and each year provides up to £25,000 of match funding for good causes.

“The Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital relies on donations to allow it to care for the 1,000 birds it assists each year and we’re both very happy that Care UK helped us to ensure their excellent work can continue.” Ken said.