Homecare Team Walks 178 Miles for British Heart Foundation
Published: 21/06/2026
Caring for our community goes beyond homecare
At Right at Home North Leeds, Otley & Horsforth, caring for people doesn't end when our visits are over. Supporting our local community has always been part of who we are, whether that's providing compassionate homecare, helping someone return safely home after a hospital stay, or raising money for charities that make a lasting difference.
Earlier this year, our owner, Rachel Critchley, and two members of our care team completed the Walk for Hearts challenge in support of the British Heart Foundation, walking a combined 178 miles and raising £225 so far.
Many of those miles were enjoyed around Golden Acre Park, Otley Chevin and Horsforth Hall Park - three of our favourite places to walk. Spending time in nature reminded us just how beneficial fresh air, birdsong and gentle exercise can be for physical and emotional wellbeing, something we see every day while supporting Clients across Horsforth, Otley, Yeadon, Rawdon, Guiseley, Adel, Bramhope and surrounding communities.
Heart health is something that affects many of the people and families we support, and we regularly share information to help our community understand how lifestyle choices, awareness and early support can make a difference. You may also find our guide on looking after your heart and maintaining heart health helpful.
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More than a fundraising walk
Walking 178 miles was certainly a challenge, but it quickly became much more than that.
Some of Rachel's walks were shared with Clients who wanted to enjoy a gentle stroll and good conversation, perfectly reflecting the companionship that sits at the heart of the support we provide. Right at Home's Carers would often spot Rachel along the route, sounding their horns, stopping for a chat or offering words of encouragement before continuing to visit Clients. Those small moments summed up exactly what makes our team so special.
As a provider of care at home and hospital-to-home care, we regularly support people living with heart disease, recovering from heart attacks or rebuilding confidence after time in hospital. Seeing the determination shown by so many of our Clients inspired us to play our own small part in supporting research that could improve lives for future generations.
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Caring for our community goes beyond homecare
Supporting charities has become part of our culture rather than something we do occasionally.
Over the last few years we have proudly supported several causes close to our hearts:
- 2023 - Rachel completed 1 million steps (around 505 miles) raising £350 for Dementia UK.
- 2024 - Living Well Showcase in Horsforth - Organised less than five months after welcoming our first Client, the event brought together the local community to promote wellbeing, dementia awareness and support for older people. The showcase included:
- 30 local stall holders
- 4 professional singers
- 6 activity sessions
- 5 information and training sessions
- 50 people experiencing the Virtual Dementia Tour Bus
- 20+ people trained as Dementia Friends
- £401.80 raised for Alzheimer’s Society
- £1,000 in funding secured from local councillors
- Attendance from the Chairman of Horsforth Town Council, local councillors and MP Katie White
- Coverage in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Wharfedale Observer, The Homecare Association, Adel Parish Magazine and On Your Doorstep
- 2025 - Supported Pink Events, collecting gifts for local breast cancer fundraising initiatives, a cause particularly close to the heart of one of our Carers.
- 2026 - Partnered with Dementia Adventure, helping people living with dementia continue enjoying nature and outdoor experiences.
- Across the UK, Right at Home offices have collectively raised around £80,000 for the British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer's Society, and we're proud that our Horsforth office continues to contribute to that wider impact.
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One of the things I love most about working in homecare is being part of the local community. Whether we're walking alongside a Client, helping someone regain confidence after leaving hospital, or raising money for charities that support people facing life's toughest challenges, it's all about making a difference. Seeing Clients join me for part of the walk, and colleagues stopping to cheer me on, reminded me why I love what we do every day
- Rachel Critchley | Owner and Managing Director at Right at Home North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth
Exploring Our Local Communities
Walking through Rawdon, Yeadon, Guiseley, Horsforth and North Leeds
Every fundraising challenge, community event and local partnership reflects the same values that shape our homecare, care at home and hospital to home services - compassion, kindness and helping people live well in the place they love most.
Whether we're supporting someone to enjoy a walk around Golden Acre Park, accompanying them to an appointment after leaving hospital, providing companionship at home, or working alongside organisations that improve the lives of older people, our commitment remains the same: helping people stay connected to the communities they know and love.
Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared our fundraising, walked with us or simply offered words of encouragement. Your support helps us continue making a positive difference both inside and outside our Clients' homes.
If you would like to talk through how our homecare team may be able to support you or a loved one, our friendly team would be happy to help.