Seven speedy racers took to their motorised chairs at a Harrogate care home to see who could deliver a meal in the quickest time.
The residents at Harrogate Neighbours’ The Cuttings, all in their 70s and 80s, were racing to raise awareness of its vital Meals on Wheels service.
Racers included, ‘Dennis The Menace Corner’, ‘Fast Fred’, ‘Powerful Pauline’, ‘Speedy Prest’, ‘Flying Flynne’, ‘Flash Gordon’ and ‘Dangerous Dave’.
Winning the race with flying colours and completing the circuit in under three minutes was Gordon Pepper.
He said:
“What an afternoon we had, it was a lot of fun – although, it was quite hard sticking to the 5mph speed limit.”
Another racer, Dennis Corner, added:
“We all enjoyed the race, it was a laugh – and it was participation that counted.”
The race, organised by not-for-profit care provider Harrogate Neighbours, was a way of raising awareness of its vital hot meal service during National Meals on Wheels Week (3rd-7th November).
Since the launch of Harrogate Neighbours’ meals on wheels service in 2012, over 2,400 older and vulnerable people have benefitted from a hot meal delivered to their door.
Due to council cuts, the service relies solely on volunteers and has welcomed over 250 local volunteers, who have delivered more than 300,000 meals over the last 13 years.
Colin Tapping has been a volunteer for Harrogate Neighbours for over five years.
He said:
“It’s not just a hot meal we deliver, it’s a friendly face and for some a well-being check in.
“Social isolation is a real problem, so being able to visit on a regular basis to say hello means the world to them.”
Development and communications manager at Harrogate Neighbours, Jamie Nicholson-Ruther said:
“This week is all about raising awareness of the incredible difference Meals on Wheels makes to so many lives.
“The race was enjoyed by everyone and I can’t thank the residents and volunteers enough for bringing so much energy – it looks like the residents race could be an annual event.”
As part of National Meals on Wheels Week, Harrogate Neighbours is calling for more volunteers to join this vital lifeline service, which supports independence and wellbeing for older and vulnerable people across Yorkshire.
To find out how to become a volunteer visit: www.harrogateneighbours.co.uk
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