RESIDENTS of Astune Rise in Eston are set to enjoy a river cruise on the Teesside Princess thanks to the marathon fundraising efforts of the home’s manager.
Caroline Bowstead raised £1,500 by participating in the Middlesbrough half marathon, and the donations have been added to the home’s Residents’ Fund, which pays for extra trips, entertainers and special treats.
Caroline, who has been with Astune Rise for more than a decade, said: “We took some residents on the Teesside Princess last year and it was great fun. Everyone dressed to the nines in gowns and tuxedos and had an amazing time with their friends and family.
“We knew we wanted to do it again, but because of various travel requirements it can be expensive to get them all there, so we needed to raise some extra money. I laced up my running shoes and hit the streets of Eston to train for the Middlesbrough half marathon.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Middlesbrough community who have helped me to raise this money, which will help make the lives of Astune Rise’s residents even better and give them, and their families, amazing memories on the Teesside Princess.
“I had amazing encouragement and support from the company, family, friends and colleagues during my training, which was really needed, especially at the start when I started thinking to myself ‘what on earth am I doing’.”
The Teesside Princess will offer residents a scenic cruise along the River Tees, complete with afternoon tea and a glass of fizz. The residents will embark on a three-hour return trip from Stockton to Yarm, taking in the landscapes and wildlife along the way.
Astune Rise resident Dorothea Quinn is pictured with Caroline Bowstead with Caroline’s medal.