Karolyn Sisto, Home Manager at Eastham Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, has achieved an extraordinary personal and professional milestone by successfully completing an 18-hour trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, all in support of her residents.
On 6th–7th October 2025, Karolyn took on the gruelling challenge of scaling the 4,167-metre (13,671 feet) Moroccan mountain, battling through altitude sickness, blistered feet, and extreme temperature shifts. The trek began with a 7-hour ascent to the refuge at base camp, followed by a short rest before continuing the final and most difficult leg of the climb, starting at 3:00 AM in total darkness.
“The trek was gruelling, but thinking about our residents and the joy a summer house would bring them kept me going,” said Karolyn Sisto, Home Manager at Eastham Care Home .
The fundraising climb was part of Karolyn’s personal mission to raise money for a summer house to be built in the home’s garden, a peaceful and accessible space where residents and their families can enjoy quality time outdoors. So far, the effort has raised £675, bringing the home one step closer to making the vision a reality.
The atmosphere throughout the challenge was extremely tough, with high altitudes, steep terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions. But the highlight, according to Karolyn, was reaching the summit which was an emotional and fulfilling moment made even more meaningful by the cause behind it.
Karolyn has gone to incredible lengths, literally, to improve the lives of residents at Eastham Care Home . Her team, and the wider community, are incredibly proud.
The idea for the summer house came from a desire to enhance residents’ access to outdoor space in all seasons, and Karolyn’s determination to make it happen is inspirational.
Eastham Care Home is thrilled to support initiatives that empower staff to go above and beyond in delivering meaningful experiences for residents.
