Community Engagement: Making a Difference Together

At Caremark, community engagement has always been at the heart of what we do. Since our founding in November 2012, we have been dedicated not only to providing outstanding care but also to building meaningful connections within the communities we serve across Thanet, Canterbury, and Dover. Over the years, we’ve organised dozens of events, supported various charitable causes, and worked closely with local businesses and organisations to strengthen the social fabric of our region.

However, in recent years, raising awareness about sepsis has become a particularly important initiative for us. The tragic loss of Ellie Lunn, the daughter of our Registered Manager and Director, Kerry Hill, gave rise to our “Making Ellie Count” initiative, which has since become a driving force in our community outreach.

The Story Behind “Making Ellie Count”

In 2015, Ellie Lunn tragically passed away from sepsis just before her first birthday. Her parents’ heartbreak was compounded by the fact that Ellie’s death could have been prevented with earlier recognition of the signs of sepsis and prompt medical intervention. Since then, we have been determined to honour Ellie’s memory by raising awareness about sepsis and supporting research to improve early detection and treatment.

In 2019, we organised a sepsis conference featuring expert speakers, attended by over 100 people. This marked the beginning of our focused efforts to educate the community about sepsis, encouraging people to ask the crucial question: Could this be sepsis? Early detection can save lives, and through education and advocacy, we aim to empower our community to recognise the warning signs.

Making Ellie Count: A Year of Charity Events

Last year, we proudly proudly hosted two major charity events as part of the “Making Ellie Count” campaign, raising both awareness and vital funds for sepsis research and support.

1. Football Charity Match – August 18th

On August 18th, we hosted our first-ever charity football match, where Caremark faced off against Man v Fat in a spirited and competitive game. The match was full of memorable moments, including a spectacular penalty that will go down in Thanet football history! Beyond the football, the event featured family-friendly attractions like a tombola, bouncy castle, ice cream stand, and a “Beat the Goalie” challenge. Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and the enthusiastic participation of our community, the event was a tremendous success.

2. Charity Music Day – September 8th

On September 8th, in collaboration with Academy FM, we hosted an incredible Charity Music Day at the Pavilion in Broadstairs. A lineup of talented live bands performed throughout the day, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The event not only raised funds for the Sepsis Trust but also spread vital awareness about the signs and dangers of sepsis. It was a powerful reminder of how music and community spirit can unite us for a common cause.

3. Total Funds Raised

Through these two events, we have raised an incredible £4,000 for the Sepsis Trust, bringing our total fundraising efforts for the campaign to over £6,000! Every pound raised supports life-saving research and resources, helping to improve early diagnosis and treatment for sepsis patients.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Community engagement is not just an addition to our work—it’s part of our identity. Over the years, we have raised significant funds for charities like Demelza Hospice and the East Kent Hospitals Dementia Appeal. We’ve organised dementia awareness sessions for local businesses, chaired the Thanet Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), delivered lectures at Broadstairs College, and sponsored a car for Academy FM.

This year, we were proud to introduce the Community Champions Award at our 2024 Awards Ceremony. This will be an annual award that we recognise an individual (or group) who has made an exceptional contribution to their local community. Our inaugural winner was Vic Todd who has made a significant contribution to the Thanet community. The photograph below shows Vic, pictured on the right, receiving his award from Garry Costain.

Looking Ahead

“Making Ellie Count” is more than a campaign—it’s a movement. Ellie’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and intervention. Through continued community events, educational outreach, and fundraising, we aim to make a lasting impact in the fight against sepsis.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Your generosity and involvement make a tangible difference. Together, we can honour Ellie’s memory and ensure that no other family experiences such a preventable loss.