VIDEO: Charity cycle puts a smile on faces at care home

Staff at Valerie Manor, in Henfield Road, took turns to pedal on two exercise bikes in the home’s conservatory on Friday.

Care assistants Gemma Fielder and James MacEwan came up with the idea for the fundraising event for St Barnabas House hospice, which the home regularly supports.

Gemma, who dressed as a land girl for the occasion, said: “We started at 9am and we had cake sales and a raffle in the afternoon, when the residents’ families came in to celebrate.

“I organised the staff costumes and who was going on the bikes at what time.

“We are just trying to raise as much money as possible.”

Zoe Bates, owner and manager at the care home, said the residents had a great time watching all the antics.

“We had such a lovely day and we raised more than £400,” she added.

She said those taking part were asked to wear ‘something to make everyone smile’.

Zoe wore a Superman costume, James dressed as a punk, office manager Alan Fry was a jester and chef Chris Slater chose a French outfit, complete with onions.