Pier to pier walk: Care home resident raises over £8,000 and counting for local Macmillan unit

Andy Press, care home resident at The Lindsay Bupa Care Home and former AFC Bournemouth groundsman, has so far raised over £8,000 and counting for Macmillan Caring Locally after organising a pier to pier walk, following his diagnosis with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease.

The walk took place on Sunday 4th June with over 50 of Andy’s family members, carers and friends – including Jeff Mostyn, AFC Bournemouth Club Ambassador – walking from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier and back again. Before the walk began, Andy gave a speech to thank everyone, and he sang the song he wrote called ‘Remember.’

When asked about how he felt about the day, Andy commented: “It was a fantastic day to do the walk, the sun was shining and I was surrounded by some of my closest family members, friends and carers. I can’t believe we have already raised over £8,000; I really hope I can get to my £10,000 target.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated and shown their support, including my friends and colleagues at AFC Bournemouth who have been with me every step of the way. I am also really grateful to the staff at The Lindsay for helping me organise such a great day. Coping with this diagnosis hasn’t been easy, but the team has been fabulous and I’m so thankful to have their continued care.”

Andy was also joined on his challenge by Lead Nurse of the Macmillan Unit Louise Pennington and Trust Secretary for Macmillan Caring Locally, Neal Williams.

Neal commented: “Andy's dedication to making a difference to the lives of others is truly commendable. Despite the challenges he faces daily, he is resolute in his determination to support our work in the community. We are deeply grateful to Andy; he is an inspiration to us all. Our thanks also go to the Lindsay Care Home in Poole for their hard work in organising this amazing challenge.”

Claudia Carvell, Home Manager at The Lindsay Bupa Care Home, commented: “It was wonderful that so many people came to support Andy on his pier-to-pier challenge. It was a fabulous day and there wasn’t a dry eye amongst us when he sang his song. We are really grateful to everybody who has donated so far and we’re so happy to be able to support Andy in reaching his goals.”

Andy is hoping to raise £10,000, if you would like to donate to his challenge, please follow the link here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andy-press-pier-to-pier-challenge.

About Andy

Andy Press, aged 58, was working as a groundsman at AFC Bournemouth when he was unexpectedly diagnosed with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease.

His disease has progressed rapidly and he is now receiving care at The Lindsay, supported by charity Macmillan Caring Locally, who provide specialist support and hospice care.

The Lindsay Bupa Care Home is situated in Poole and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with dementia. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services