A residential care service in Leeds gathered a rich harvest of donations for charity when staff and residents held a farm-themed Fun Day in support of Kidney Care UK.

The event was hosted at Heathcotes Morley, a specialist service that supports adults with learning disabilities, Asperger's syndrome, Down’s syndrome, sensory impairments, mental health needs and challenging behaviour.

The day’s activities included agricultural fancy dress, live music from a country singer and various rural features, including straw bales, a milkshake barn and scarecrows made by the staff and service users. Prizes were awarded for the best scarecrows by special guest judges, Councillor Roger Bell and Christine Bell, the Mayor and Mayoress of Morley for 2018/19.

Lynsey Clark, Service Manager at Heathcotes Leeds, said: “It was a fantastic day and the farm theme came together really well. We also set up a food stall, cake stall, tombola, raffles and bouncy castle for everyone to enjoy. Seven Heathcotes staff took part in a sponsored hair dye in unicorn colours to help the fundraising and we’ve raised over £300 for Kidney Care UK, the charity nominated by our service users.”

Gemma Hollingsworth, Head of Heathcotes Services Northern, said: “Well done to everyone involved in making the day such a great success. These kinds of events are encouraged at Heathcotes services nationwide as they are very much in-keeping with the core aims of our approach to care – they engage the people we support, involve them in activities and promote greater social inclusion and community integration. They also enable our service users to develop their skills and confidence, assisting the transition from a care environment to a more independent life which is the ultimate goal for many of our residents.”

www.heathcotes.net