Our home raised £1300 with “fearless” challenge

Our residents were treated to an Isle of Wight trip to cheer on a team member taking on a daring wing walk for charity.

Our administrator, Vicky Wade, 49, has worked at our home, on Hallowes Close for 12 years. Her mother was also a resident at our 77 bedroomed home which offers residential, nursing, dementia and compassionate end-of-life care.

Residents and colleagues had helped her to raise £1,300 for local charity Phylis Tuckwell Hospice Care and thrilled her by being there on the day to show their support.

“It was exhilarating,” Vicky said. “We reached 183 mph and I loved the speed. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, but strangely it also felt very calming and serene. I was strapped to the top wing of a vintage 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane and we went soaring over the coastline.

“Our residents remind me every day that life is precious and inspire me to make the most of every moment. As I turn 50 this year, I wanted to do something that would make a difference. I was hoping to raise £1,000 so we have smashed that. Having the support of the home made the whole experience even more special, and seeing the residents there on the day reminded me exactly why I was doing it.”

Resident Margaret Swanton, 93, was among the residents who made the trip in the home’s minibus. She said: “It was amazing and Vicky was very brave. The team at the home are always so kind and caring towards us and I couldn’t wait to see her afterwards to make sure she was OK. I loved driving through the Isle of Wight countryside too.”

“I was so amazed by the challenge,” resident Ann Langton, 95, said. “I support the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, so it was great to support the fundraising efforts. I’ve never been to the Isle of Wight before, and it was lovely to be in the fresh air, and the ferry ride home was very smooth. We were very well looked after, as always.”

“It’s been a great talking point,” said resident Celia Kale, 83, “and we loved having a drink on the seafront, we were all very happy. Both of my sons have done something similar, but I couldn’t watch them because I was too nervous. Vicky was waving to us all and smiling the whole time and we were waving back.”

“I take my hat off to her,” said resident Brian Baverstock, 71. “It’s a great cause and she was very brave. I once ate 18 pickled eggs to raise money for Guts UK but I’ve never seen anyone do this before. I offered to go in Vicky’s place if she changed her mind.”

Eleanor Stanley, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Phylis Tuckwell Hospice Care said: “We’re very grateful to Vicky, the team and residents at Queen Elizabeth Park Care Home. Thanks to generous donations like these we can continue to support over 250 patients, relatives and carers every day – in their own homes, in the community, at the hospice in Farnham and at the Beacon Centre in Guildford.”

Queen Elizabeth Park prides itself on its sense of adventure and its dedicated and hardworking team members. This was recognised when we received Highly Commended in the South-East region of the 2025 Great British Care Awards for the ‘Care Home Team’ award.

“We really are like one big family here, so of course we were going to support Vicky every step of the way,” said lifestyle co-ordinator Aneta Stranc. “I loved organising the trip and helping our residents to enjoy such a special day out. We were all incredibly proud watching fearless Vicky take to the skies.”

Residents travelled by ferry from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight and first enjoyed a stroll along the beach in Ryde and a coffee at the marina. They had lunch in Sandown before heading to Sandown Airport to cheer Vicky on. In the lead-up to the challenge, residents and team members also played a key role in the fundraising efforts organising a variety of raffles and a bake sale. Residents unable to attend on the day were able to watch the video of the challenge, in the home’s tearoom or in their bedrooms, and listen to Vicky’s talk on the experience.

Deputy Manager, Peter Muzangaza said, “Vicky’s challenge was an incredible achievement and a reflection of her courage and determination.

“The fundraising effort brought people together and created a real sense of excitement throughout the home. Residents loved following Vicky’s journey and being part of the experience.

“The trip to the Isle of Wight, was quite a venture being over 60 miles away and it gave residents the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, social interaction, and meaningful memories, all of which support wellbeing and quality of life.”

Manager Heather De-Ninis said: “Vicky has been an inspiration to all of us. It’s particularly special that she was motivated by the residents themselves to take on the challenge.

We’re really proud of her and everyone at the home who helped raise such a fantastic amount for Phylis Tuckwell Hospice Care.”