Fenland community group donates to Marshland care home

Residents at a Marshland care home are “absolutely delighted” with donations that have been made by a Fenland community group.

The donations are helping to create a memory lane zone at Hickathrift House, Marshland St James.

Rachel Green, the owner of Fenland Family and Baby Bank has a special connection with the care home have worked there in1994 - primarily in the home’s Memory Lane Dementia Community.

Rachel said, “I loved working at Hickathrift House and I am so glad I can give back to this wonderful care home. I have also had direct experience in my own family too as my father-in-law and mother-in-law were both diagnosed with dementia.”

The group has kindly been donating meaningful items to many homes in Fenland and the gifts of pram and baby items have helped create a zone in Hickathrift House’s Memory Lane community dedicated to parenthood and child care reminiscences.

Connie, a resident of Hickathrift House, commented: “The knitted cardigans are just like I used to knit for my family - they really do keep well!”

Kat Colangelo, the activities lead at Hickathrift House, said: “We are absolutely delighted with Rachel’s generous donation to our home and would like to say a massive thank you. Residents have enjoyed looking through the items together, folding the baby clothes and pushing the pram as well as reminiscing about their children’s childhoods and their own.

Paula Colman, general manager of Hickathrift House added: “We are thrilled with Rachel’s gifts. The items provide many benefits to people living with dementia and is clear to see that our residents love them!”

The Fenland Family and Baby Bank was launched in 2020 and opened a shop in the former Fenland Citizen office building in Union Street, Wisbech, in November 2021.