Northampton care home manager to run half marathon to raise money to refurb pond and give back to residents who are 'like family'
A Northampton care home manager is preparing to take on a half marathon in a bid to raise money to refurbish a pond and give back to residents who are “like family”.
Kelly Barrow, who is the general manager at Nazareth House in Harlestone Road, will take on the 13.1-mile run on Monday May 4, as part of the Milton Keynes Marathon weekend.
The huge pond, in the garden of the care home, has been there for a long time, according to Kelly, but it has seen better days and needs to be completely refurbished so that residents can enjoy it properly.
45-year-old Kelly said: “The pond would help to improve the residents’ home. They deserve to have a place to bring them joy. I want to make sure the pond is the best it could ever be.
“They are not just residents to me. It’s not just a job. They are more like family.
“I just want to make a difference in their lives. Some have served our country and believe they deserve to be given something back.”
Kelly hopes a refurbished pond will encourage residents to go outdoors more and give them a calm outdoors space to relax, reflect and reconnect with nature.
The care home manager aims to complete a full refurbishment in time, which will include restoring the bottom of the pond as it has a large crack in it, as well adding colour changing features, which would be beneficial to residents.
The full refurbishment is expected to cost £6,000, but Kelly did not want to set herself up to fail so set her half marathon fundraising target as £1,000.
“Every little helps and I will continue to raise money however I can. If that means I take on more fundraisers, then I will,” Kelly added.
The busy working mum-of-four, has run a half marathon before, as she enjoys keeping active as it “helps clear her head”. Despite this, she still has to put in the hours to make sure she is ready for the race, which sometimes includes having to get up at 4.30am to train.