Dogs are man’s best friend and provide great comfort, and residents and staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Scarbrough Court, in Cramlington, Northumberland, know this by experience. Some dogs even have important roles in supporting those in the community who are blind or deaf.
One inspirational care worker, Tracey Nichol, decided to do her part. She has shaved her long hair, raising over £2,500, which she has split between Newcastle Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and for resident activities at her care home.
Newcastle Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a special charity to me as they supported my brother who is deaf. When Ernie the dog came along, it really helped my brother with his daily struggles; it changed our lives. Sadly, this year we lost Ernie to cancer after having him for nine years, says Tracey.
Staff members Panagiotis Celadaris and Leigh Stephenson shaving Tracey Nichol’s locks at RMBI Care Co. Scarbrough Court, in Cramlington, Northumberland
Tracey has also sponsored six hearing dogs from their puppy stages, to when they are ready to live in their forever homes. She adds: “It takes 18 months to train dogs to become someone’s ears, and change their lives in so many ways. Sadly not a lot of people are aware of hearing dogs, and how much they do. They are true heroes!”
Tracey Nichol proudly showing off her ’new look’ with Activities Coordinator Stacey Louise at RMBI Care Co. Home Scarbrough Court,
Tracey, who has worked at Scarbrough Court for four years, also raised funds to support resident activities at her Home. She said:
We are like a huge family, both team members and residents. We laugh, cry, and support each other through the day. So I wanted to give something back to make a bit of a difference, to see residents smile.
Everyone at the Home rallied round to support her fundraising efforts with Tracey’s long hair being cut at the Home. She was sponsored by residents, staff, relatives and the Home’s Association of Friends. Scarbrough Court Home Manager, Sam Buxton, says
Tracey is a very positive person and we are proud to have supported her amazing fundraising effort.
RMBI Care Co. Home Scarbrough Court is run by RMBI Care Co., part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. For more information, please visit: http://www.rmbi.org.uk/