Castle View Residents Make New Memories On Forget Me Not Walk

Castle View residents, families and staff recently took part in the Forget Me Not Memory Mile in Douglas on the Isle of Man, and it turned out to be a memorable day for an important cause.

The Isle of Man Forget Me Not charity was formed with a mission to support those living with dementia and their families in the Isle of Man. The charity funds the provision of the Admiral Nurse Service on the island - specialist dementia nurses who provide one-to-one support, expert guidance, and practical help for patients, carers, and families.

The First Time Felt Special

The team at Castle View Nursing Home in Peel decided that walking the Forget Me Not Memory Mile would be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and show their support for people living with memory loss and their families. This would be the home’s first time at the event, so it felt extra special when seven residents - Hilda, Hazel, Doreen, Ann, Rosemary, Beryl and Lorna - decided they would like to take part. Even better, some of their family members said they’d like to join in to complete the Memory Mile with their loved ones.

The walk was organised and supported by the home’s wonderful Wellbeing Team – Karen, Hannah, and Louise – and they were joined on the day by their colleague, Senior Carer Hannah.

Entry for the walk was by donation - £10 - which also gained each participant a special t-shirt. When making plans for the group to take part, Karen, had asked whether, as they were bringing residents from the nursing home, it would be possible for the accompanying carers to purchase a t-shirt rather than residents having to buy a t-shirt as well. The organisers thought that it was a fantastic idea and something they hadn't considered before.

The Perfect Pre-Walk Preparation

When the big day arrived, Karen drove the group across to Douglas from Peel in the minibus, making sure they arrived in plenty of time. Once they had parked, everyone made their way to a seating area and enjoyed a lovely, packed lunch - and as Hannah had asked in advance what each resident would like in their sandwiches, the kitchen team made sure everyone enjoyed their favourite fillings! Resident Hilda was joined for lunch by her husband John, who was ready to wheel his wife along the Memory Mile.

Resident Hazel's family arrived shortly afterwards and soon, it was time to head to the start line. Memory Mile T-shirts were collected and proudly worn by some of the residents and staff and there was a lovely atmosphere as everyone gathered together. The Castle View group were thrilled to see his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and his wife Lady Lorimer joining the event.

A Little Royal Confusion

Before the walk began, His Excellency gave a short speech but there was a funny moment before he even started speaking. As he was being introduced the lady with the microphone accidentally introduced him as "Lord Lorimer"

When his Excellency began his speech, he quickly put the record straight, explaining that he wasn't actually a lord, although he jokingly suggested that if everyone wanted to give him a higher rank perhaps he could be Prince Lorimer or even King Lorimer!

As the walk began and everyone followed behind him, the lady with the microphone called out: "Thank you King Lorimer!" His Excellency raised his arms in response and everyone laughed. It was a lovely light hearted moment that certainly made everyone smile before they set off.

Two Laps and the Mile Completed!

With the sun shining, everyone made their way around the track together. Resident Hazel who is living with Alzheimer's, was delighted to have her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter with her and it was a lovely family occasion as they wheeled Hazel around the course.

There were plenty of smiles from the group along the way and before they knew it, two laps were complete the Memory Mile was done! The participants enjoyed a well-earned cold drink and piece of cake afterwards, before making their way back to the bus where, on the journey home, Hannah read a chapter of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ to everyone.

It was the perfect end to a very special day – a day that wasn't simply about walking a mile. It was about everyone being together, supporting residents, celebrating their families, raising awareness and making memories along the way.

Why Taking Part Mattered the Most

Looking back on the day, Karen reflected, “Taking part in the Memory Mile was particularly important to us because we have residents living with dementia within our home. And we see every day the importance of supporting not only those living with dementia, but also their families and loved ones. It also has a personal meaning for some of our staff who have family members living with dementia themselves”.

The £70 raised by entering the walk was boosted to an amazing £165 after generous sponsorship by colleagues at Castle View. The team was delighted to welcome Chris, one of the Admiral Nurses, to the home to collect a cheque for the money raised and enjoy a chat with a cuppa and a biscuit. There was also a lovely surprise in store when Hilda's husband, John popped in. John had joined his wife on the walk and done his own sponsorship with family, resulting in a further £60 raised, which increased the grand total donated to £225!

All in all, the group of residents, family members and staff raised important funds for Forget Me Not and had a thoroughly enjoyable day out. Everyone agreed it was a fantastic Memory Mile for Castle View, and who knows, perhaps the first of many!

A Warm Welcome to Castle View

Choosing the right care for your loved one is never easy, but at Castle View Nursing Home in Peel on the Isle of Man, families find peace of mind. Offering nursing, dementia and palliative care in a warm and friendly home environment. Nestled in landscaped grounds with breathtaking views over the hills and down to the sea, our care home offers a safe and nurturing environment where residents can thrive.

With a safe, homely environment, residents can truly feel at ease”, engaging daily activities and spaces designed for both relaxation and companionship, life here feels fulfilling and reassuring. Just minutes from Peel’s shops, cafes and cosy pubs, our residents enjoy both the comfort of home and the beauty of the island.