Two devoted care assistants from Chorleywood Manor Care Home have raised over £1,100 for dementia charities after completing the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 6 April 2025.
Wendy Hunt and Charmaine Buckley, both passionate members of the care team at the Avery Healthcare-owned home in Chorleywood, laced up their trainers for the 13.1-mile challenge through the capital, raising vital funds for Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Research.
The pair crossed the finish line with impressive times: Charmaine in two hours, 16 minutes and 11 seconds, and Wendy in two hours, 50 minutes and 17 seconds.
In total, they raised £1,146.25 for causes close to their hearts.
The money raised will go towards supporting families affected by dementia and funding vital research into treatments and a potential cure.
Charmaine, a seasoned runner and mum of two from Rickmansworth, said the energy of the race brought back memories of her 2024 London Marathon.
“I always get a few nerves before a race,” Charmaine said. “But that feeling of achievement at the finish line never goes away. It means so much to run for people living with dementia, especially when I see the impact it has on them and their families every day.”
Wendy, also from Rickmansworth, was taking on her first ever race of this kind and said the support along the route helped her push through.
“I never thought I’d do something like this,” Wendy said. “But hearing the crowd cheer, knowing I was doing it for something bigger, it was emotional, and I’ll never forget it.”
Both care assistants have seen the effects of dementia first-hand through their work, but also personally.
Wendy was inspired by her mother-in-law’s journey with Alzheimer’s. Seeing the impact it had on her family gave her a deep, personal drive to take on the challenge and raise awareness.
Charmaine, a passionate advocate for dementia care, says her day-to-day experiences supporting residents living with the condition gave her an emotional connection to the cause.
Fiona Kazaza, Home Manager at Chorleywood Manor Care Home, said, “We’re all so incredibly proud of Wendy and Charmaine. Their commitment, not only to our residents but to raising awareness and funds for dementia support, is truly inspiring. They really do go above and beyond, on and off the track.”
To find out more about Chorleywood Manor Care Home, click here or call 01923728811.
