TV-style race challenge for care home residents

Four residents from an award-winning care home are gearing up for a TV-style race which will see them reach a series of county landmarks.

The contestants of Heathland House in Ferndown will compete in Race Across Dorset - a playful twist on the hit BBC series Race Across the World - on 18 March, with "wheelchairs, walking sticks and a whole lot of determination".

Accompanied by care home assistants and family members, they will have to complete the challenge within a set budget and time of six and a half hours.

They also have to provide photo and video evidence of visiting the locations, which include Bournemouth's Russell-Cotes Museum and the Tank Museum at Bovington.

The race will start from Heathland House at 10.30am, with the choice of the first stop up to each team.

The care home said the racers "may only use a car for a maximum of four journeys" and the fewer car trips taken, the more bonus points would be awarded.

It added that all staff involved "are trained in moving and handling, to support residents mobility difficulties".

The combined ages of the residents taking part is 249 years.

The oldest competitor, 88-year-old Leonard Symonds, said: "I never thought I'd be doing anything like this at my age.

"It's exciting, a bit mad and brilliant!"

Compulsory points to visit are the aviation museum next to Bournemouth Airport and The Old Thatch Pub in Stapehill, near Wimborne.

Deborah Holmes from Heathland House, who came up with the idea, said the race was all about "creating a fast-paced, laughter-filled, memory-making adventure".

"The residents are buzzing with excitement and competitive spirit too," she added.

Nicola Burgess, manager at The Tank Museum, said they were "proud" to be a part of the initiative.

The winning team will be awarded a special prize by record‑breaking adventurer Louis Alexander, who is the first person to complete seven marathons across all seven continents and swim marathon‑distance swims in all seven seas.

He serves as an ambassador for the Cinnamon Care Collection, championing wellbeing, connection and meaningful experiences for older people.

Speaking of the race, Alexander said: "Just because you're old in years, you can still be young in adventurous spirit!"

The care home also invites members of the public to a talk about his physical and mental challenges behind his achievements, which will take place on the evening after the race.

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.