At Premier Community, we believe that care extends far beyond the home — it’s woven into everything we do, from supporting our Service Users to championing causes that touch our hearts. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to share the story of Paula, one of our dedicated Care Assistants from the South Derbyshire branch, who is taking on a life-changing challenge this April to raise money for Dementia UK.
On 13th April 2025, Paula will be lacing up her trainers and hitting the streets of Boston, Lincolnshire to run her very first half marathon — an incredible 13.1 miles — all in support of a cause that is both professionally and personally close to her heart.
“I believe Dementia UK is a charity Premier supports, and it’s obviously very dear to me because of the work I do,” Paula shared. “We care for so many individuals affected by dementia, and it’s something I’m passionate about raising awareness for.”
A Journey of Transformation and Determination
What makes Paula’s story even more inspiring is how far she’s come — literally and figuratively. Just 18 months ago, she was facing serious health challenges due to her weight. Determined to take control of her well-being, Paula completely transformed her lifestyle through a mix of exercise, healthier choices, and mental focus.
“I’ve never run anything like this before,” she admits. “But in training, I’ve already worked my way up to 10 miles. I’m loving running at the moment and use any downtime at work to run or go to the gym.”
Her passion for running is accompanied by an eclectic workout playlist — “a mix of everything from Dua Lipa to Bryan Adams” — that keeps her energy high and spirits up during every mile. Whether it’s a morning jog or a gym session, Paula brings the same level of kindness, dedication, and positivity to her training as she does to her role caring for Service Users in Swadlincote.
Community, Charity and Caring: At the Heart of Premier
At Premier Community, we’re more than just a home care provider — we’re a family. We stand by the values of integrity, compassion, and quality care, and those values shine brightly in Paula’s journey. Many of our team members work closely with individuals living with dementia, and we know first-hand how important it is to fund the kind of support that Dementia UK provides to families across the country.
As a company, we’re proud to support causes that align with our mission. Our ongoing efforts to raise money for Dementia UK reflect not only our commitment to the community but our belief that every act of kindness matters. Paula’s story is a shining example of that — of one person’s drive to make a real difference.
How You Can Support Paula and Join the Cause
There are many ways to show Paula the support she deserves — and to contribute to a meaningful cause in the process:
- Sponsor Paula’s Challenge: You can donate directly through her JustGiving page. Every penny goes to Dementia UK to help provide expert support to families facing the effects of dementia.
- Spread the Word: Share Paula’s story with friends, family, or on social media. The more awareness we raise, the more support we can give.
- Start Your Own Fundraiser: Inspired by Paula? Why not take on your own challenge — a walk, a bake sale, a dance-a-thon — and raise money for Dementia UK in your own way?
- Cheer Paula On: Whether you leave a message of encouragement, join her for a training run, or simply cheer her on from the sidelines, your support means everything.
Achieving More Together
What Paula is doing takes incredible courage, discipline, and heart. But as anyone at Premier Community will tell you, Paula brings that same energy to her care work every single day. Her story reminds us that we’re all capable of achieving amazing things — especially when we’re driven by purpose and supported by a caring community.
So, here’s to Paula — to strength, transformation, and running for something bigger than yourself. Let’s help her smash her goals and show just how strong our Premier family really is.
- Donate to Paula’s JustGiving page
- Raise money, raise awareness, and be part of something powerful.
Together, we’re not just running — we’re changing lives.
Author: Tim Isterling
