Newark woman to complete Peak District Challenge for Millbank care home

A woman will be walking a combined 100km on Saturday, July 3, as part of the Peak District Challenge to raise money for her mum’s Newark care home.

Nikki Dawson’s mum, Sue Marris, who is 75 and living with Alzheimer’s has been at Millbank care home in Newark since March 2020.

Part of national charity, Ambient Support, Millbank provides care and support for older people including those living with dementia.

Sue has lived in the Newark area all her life. She worked as a hairdresser as a young woman and then married Ralph Marris, a farmer in Long Bennington, in October 1966.

The couple brought up their two daughters, Nikki and Liz, on the family farm and Sue was always very active helping to manage the business and run a busy household.

An avid indoor and outdoor bowls player, Sue loved to compete and was part of the Lincolnshire County Team for some time.

Nikki, who will be joined by her own daughter and a friend, is a keen walker but has never attempted such a long distance before.

She said: “I want to say thank you to the team at Millbank, they have done what I couldn’t and that’s provide a safe and happy environment so mum can live her fullest and most contented life.

“I want to show our gratitude for all the love and support they have given her, especially throughout covid.

“I hope the money raised will benefit both the residents and staff, developing their communal areas to further enhance residents’ lives and mental wellbeing would be fantastic.”

Diane Dunn, manager at Millbank, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Nikki for her fantastic fundraiser.

“The team at Millbank have worked tirelessly over the past year with everyone going above and beyond to ensure that all of our residents stay safe and happy.

“This is recognition for all of the hard work, it’s lovely and the staff are really excited to see Nikki and her team complete the challenge.”

Nikki will be walking 50km and her daughter, Jess, and her friend will both be walking 25km on July 3 at the Peak District Challenge.

To donate and help raise funds for Millbank, go to Nikki’s fundraising page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nikki-dawson1