Care home staff take the plunge for residents' garden

Staff from Ardfenaig Residential Home in Ardrishaig took the brave leap on Saturday November 9 in a bid to enhance the lives of the elderly people in their care.

The 10 brave workers leapt off a bridge 40 metres above the Garry river in Killiecrankie after being sponsored for the daring feat by the Mid Argyll community.

Having set their fundraising target at £500, the team have, in fact, raised £1,432 for a garden project that will encourage and support residents to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Speaking to the Advertiser about the jump unit manager Morven McInnes said: “We had an absolute ball – all 10 of us did it. There were a few nerves, a few jitters but some of the group loved it so much they would have done it again!”

Morven explained that the experience was unlike anything she had ever felt before.

“When you’re hanging over the edge you’re asked if you want a countdown or a surprise and then you’re freefalling until the ropes take the tension. After that you’re just swinging and all you can hear is the wind and water below.”

Morven added that the team is extremely grateful for all the donations it has received, and the staff are going to do careful research to ensure the money is spent in a way that will bring the most benefit to Ardfenaig’s residents.

“We are going to try and get to the dementia-friendly garden centre in Stirling so we can get really good ideas and inspiration for how we can make the best improvements to our garden for the benefit of all the residents,” she said.

Anyone still wishing to make a donation can do so here.