Ridgemount care home chef prepares for first marathon to raise funds towards technology for residents

A chef from Ridgemount care home in Banstead is running his first ever marathon with the hopes of raising enough money to buy technology which will help improve the wellbeing of residents at the home. 

On Sunday 3 October, Matt Mackay, Chef Manager at Anchor’s Ridgemount care home will be fulfilling his lifelong goal of running the Virgin Money London Marathon. Matt has worked at Ridgemount for 15 months and decided to use the opportunity to support residents by raising funds for an interactive table. 

The table, made by Inspired Inspirations, uses unique interactive experiences to engage people living with mid- to late-stage dementia. It comes with pre-installed brain training and memory apps along with a host of games and puzzles.

As someone who was not a big runner in the past, Matt has been very busy training and working up to the distance of the London marathon, 26.2 miles. Using an app, Couch to 5k, he began by building up to running a 5k and after hitting that mark, went on to run a 10k during which he raised £350 for the Alzheimer’s Society. 

Matt said: “I run on my own listening to music which is a really good chance to think and get lost in the music, sometimes I even forget about the distance I’m running.” 

Colleagues and residents throughout Anchor have been supporting Matt to reach his goal. He has received advice on training routines and tips for the big day through virtual meetings with residents across the country who have previously run marathons. Garry Hill a Wellness Coordinator has also been cheering him on every step of the way. 

Garry said: “Matt has gone from leaps to bounds with his training for the upcoming London Marathon, he tells me each time I see him how his preparations are going and I’m really looking forward to hearing his stories of the day once he has completed it.”

Matt grew up in Greater London with five siblings and supportive parents who always encouraged their children to follow their dreams. Matt is excited to accomplish a dream he’s had since he was a young boy of one day running the London Marathon.    

He said: “I remember one of my neighbours used to go jogging every day after school with his dad and one day I heard him say that he was going to run the London Marathon. 

“Ever since then I’ve said that I would run the London Marathon, so you can say it’s been a lifelong goal of mine. I’ve always said that I would run the London Marathon before I am 50 years old. It has taken nearly 30 years, but I am finally going to do it!”

Residents at Ridgemount were thrilled to hear about Matt’s marathon  and the technology he hopes to raise the funds for. They have been extremely encouraging and helped to motivate him throughout his training. 

Matt said: “Working in a care home as a Chef is quite different from other catering positions I’ve had. From preparing meals, to ordering and planning theme days every month, my role is very varied with lots of different tasks. I’ve even started a weekly cooking club day which our residents really look forward to. 

“I truly love working at Ridgemount care home, it’s such an enjoyable and satisfying place to work. I hope my marathon will inspire people and help raise the funds we need for the interactive table. Our residents will absolutely love it!” 

If you would like to donate and help Matt raise money for the interactive table visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matthew-mackay?utm_term=gnvPQZg4G 

For more information on Anchor’s Ridgemount care home call 0800 085 4217.