Burnham's The Towans Care Home raises £700 for boxing club

The Towans Care Home raised £700 during a summer fete held at its Berrow Road premises, with proceeds going to Hardknox, a boxing club that supports young people through sport and mentorship.

The event drew more than 90 residents, relatives, staff, neighbours, and friends, and featured musical entertainment from Andrew Douglas and Maria Flory.

Lucy Ledger, director of The Towans Care Home, said: "The whole day was a perfect example of what we mean when we say Towans is an extended family and a ‘home from home’.

"We had residents and their families, staff coming in when they weren’t on shift with their children and dogs, neighbours bringing their families, entertainers and members of our local community all enjoying the afternoon together.

"For residents who have lost many family members and friends, being remembered and having the opportunity to reminisce was a precious and treasured interaction."

Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge mayor Mike Facey attended the event with his consort Leanne.

He spent time talking with residents about their lives and sharing memories, which staff said was especially meaningful for those who have experienced loss.

A key part of the day’s fundraising was a raffle supported by donations from businesses, families, and friends, with all proceeds going to support Hardknox’s work with young people in the community.

Bobby from Hardknox said: "I can’t thank the Towans enough.

"I really appreciate it, and this will make such a difference to our little club."

The community spirit was on full display throughout the day, with off-duty staff returning to join the celebrations with their families and even their dogs.

Neighbours also attended, including one who arrived with nine family members in tow.

Ms Ledger said the day was filled with moments of joy and connection.

She said: "At the end of the day, I was sat in our little TV lounge with three of our resident ladies.

"There were big smiles all round as we talked about what a lovely day we’d had and all the lovely people who had joined us.

"For me, that little moment summed up the whole day perfectly."

She also praised the team members who made the event possible, adding: "We want to say a huge well done to our new activities coordinators who organised the event, Angela and Kandy.

"We also would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who donated raffle prizes, bought tickets, entertained us, helped organise the day or simply came along and made it special.

"A care home shouldn’t feel separate from the community around it.

"This is our residents’ home, and we want it to be filled with family, friends, laughter and life.

"To be able to do that while also raising money for a small local charity doing such valuable work with young people made the day even more worthwhile."

The summer fete not only raised funds but also reinforced Towans’ commitment to creating a warm, inclusive environment for its residents.

Ms Ledger said the event embodied the home’s philosophy of fostering relationships and staying connected to the wider community.

She said the day was a testament to the value of building bridges between the care home and the people and organisations around it, making it a true "home from home" for everyone involved.