Newquay siblings recognised for care home fundraising efforts

A brother and sister duo from Newquay have received a special recognition award from Cornwall Care for their fundraising efforts.

Ten-year-old Mason and his eight-year-old sister Phoebe walked 154 miles during the early part of the first lockdown to help raise money for a magic table at Penberthy, our care home in Newquay. A magic table uses the latest technology and light displays to support and stimulate people living with dementia.

During lockdown, the siblings spent hours each day walking around Newquay with their parents. They chose 154 miles as their target distance as it is the distance from Plymouth to Land’s End on the South West coastal path. Their walk finished in the grounds of Penberthy care home, where their mum Patricia works as a carer.

Their target was to raise £500, but they smashed that and have raised £4,000 so far. Their latest fundraising effort is a festive raffle.

Anne Thomas, CEO of Cornwall Care, visited Newquay Junior Academy to present Mason and Phoebe with a Chief Executive’s Special Recognition Award. She said:

“Mason and Phoebe were regular visitors to Penberthy before the pandemic as their mum works there as a carer. Their fundraising efforts have meant so much to the staff and residents in this challenging year. They should feel very proud of what they have achieved, and the difference they have made to the lives of the residents at Penberthy.”

Mason and Phoebe have also been recognised by Newquay’s Mayor Louis Gardner and Headteacher of Newquay Junior Academy, Craig Hayes, is very proud of their achievements. He said:

“We are extremely proud of Phoebe and Mason for raising a phenomenal amount of money for Cornwall Care. The money raised will fund a much-needed magic table for the residents of Penberthy House Care Home. 

“In what could have been a difficult time for any family, Phoebe and Mason, along with their mum, decided to use the lockdown period to complete a sponsored charity walk of 154 miles over one-month support and we are in total admiration of their achievement.”