Doris Maslen, born in July 1923, is celebrating her centenary by walking 100 lengths of the car park at Marden Court to raise funds for the care home’s amenities fund. Doris moved into Marden Court in July 2023, and has lived in Calne and the surrounding area since she was 12 years old.

The funds raised by Doris’s challenge will be used by the care home’s amenities fund which is managed by residents. A recent initiative, funded through the home’s amenities fund, is a wheelchair accessible raised flower bed which is still in the process of being built, and the residents love to see it progress. 

Since Doris started her challenge in May, which involves walking up to two lengths a day, she has gained a great deal of admiration from the local community, including messages of encouragement from the local Calne Police, who are supporting her fundraising. She has also been interviewed by BBC Points West and BBC Radio Wiltshire.

Doris said: “I wanted to do a sponsored walk because everyone at Marden Court is so kind, and I felt like I needed to give something back. I have never been a sporty person, but I cycled everywhere in my younger years because that was the way from one place to another. If people did not have a bike, they walked.”

Debbie Scammell, Marden Court’s Home Manager said: “We are all in awe of Doris by wishing to do this challenge. She is an outgoing lady who enjoys her life, despite not being able to see well, Doris finds happiness using her Amazon Alexa and spending time with everyone in the home! 

Doris is well loved by many people in the local community, she has visitors most days, and she often pops out for a coffee, a trip to church or some shopping. Doris is an inspiration to us all.

On one of her trips into Calne she recently met PC J Bourke who also enjoyed speaking to Doris. He too found Doris a great inspiration and also is trying to raise funds on the Calne police website!

For more details about the challenge and to sponsor Doris visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/dorissponsoredwalk