Washington street raised over £1,000 during lockdown - and put a smile on the faces of care home residents by treating them to a special afternoon

Residents from Doncreast Road chose to use part of the money raised to treat Donwell Care Home to an afternoon tea and a performance by singer Laura Cairns to raise spirits after the trying times caused by the coronavirus crisis in which residents were not able to see their family.

The street raised the money during lockdown by holding raffles, playing bingo, and selling football cards and will be donating money to a number of chosen charities.

Residents on the street were keen to get involved in how they could help others during lockdown, with everyone doing their bit to support one another.

John Richardson, who organised the fundraising, said: “We set up a Facebook page for the residents on the street and put it out there asking who would be interested in raising some money to donate.

“We thought we could put some smiles back on the faces of care home residents as it’s been especially hard for them during lockdown, not being able to see their family, they’ve probably had it a little harder than most.”

The afternoon tea was ordered from Darcy’s Dinky Delights and went down a treat with residents who also enjoyed the entertainment by singer Laura Cairns.

Louise Lavin, Lead Activities Coordinator at Donwell House Care Home said: “John suggested booking a singer and afternoon tea for all of our residents and I was blown away. I can’t thank John and the Doncrest Road residents enough.”

Donwell House Care Home recently had an emotional moment as a couple who had been married for 59 years reunited after being forced to separate due to coronavirus.

As well as Donwell House Care Home, residents will also be donating to money to three other care homes in the area as well as charities including Mind, Washington Food Bank and Macmillan.