A Royston care home specialising in supporting people with dementia is calling on businesses in the town to put their hands in their pockets and support an outing for residents.

Marian Brewer, who chairs the social fund team at Mary Barefield House in Rochester Way, Burns Road, says the care home likes to organise trips out for residents, but lacks the funds to do so.

She is asking businesses in the town to help out and donate raffle prizes for a fundraising event next month.

Marian said: “The people who stay at the home love these trips. If you could see their faces. It’s just amazing.

“What people don’t seem to remember is that these people who stay in care homes went to war for us. We owe them something.

“My generation hasn’t given future generations anything except the internet, but the older generation died for us.

“When they can remember, the people in the home tell old war stories which are just fascinating. People don’t do enough for old people.”

The care home has hosted a range of trips in the past, including a boat trip with afternoon tea, a panto at Christmas, tea at the Heath and afternoon tea at Wimpole Hall.

Marian added: “We have found that whatever trip they go on, they love having tea and cake, so we always try and incorporate that into the trip.

“Sadly most of the residents have very little family contact.”

It costs around £200 to take one person out on an excursion.

Marian said she has so far written to 28 local companies asking for raffle prizes.

The care home has already received donations from companies such as So Gifted, Scotsdales, Eagle Editions, Waitrose, Bury Lane Farm Shop, Morrisons and the Jolly Postie pub.

They have also received £350 and raffle prizes from private donors.

The care home will host an afternoon tea and raffle on Saturday, May 2 to raise money.

If you want to find out how to donate, call Marian on 01763 249858.

To contact Mary Barfield House, call 01763 252961.