Sporting wellwishers went the extra mile raising an amazing £1,700 for Chigwell’s Belmont Lodge care home.

Staff members and residents’ families trekked five miles in a charity walk that brought in an initial £870 from sponsors, which was matched by Forest Health Care which runs the home.

“We went that extra mile for the Choose Our Carers charity,” supporter Dawn Harrison said. “We decided to take on the walk after seeing first hand the carers’ roles.”

Trekkers included the organisation’s chief executive Amanda Scott, their ops manager Kate Kay, the home’s activities team, carers and even the head chef.

The home in Fencepiece Road has 24-hour care in a homely environment, while also specialising in dementia, long-term respite and post-operation care.

It has 40 bedrooms with personal possessions to make them “feel at home” and day rooms to catch up with friends over tea. Activities include art workshops, handicrafts, flower arranging, musical evenings and garden parties and barbecues.