If you’ve visited Alex Wood House care home in Cambridge recently, chances are you’ve been greeted with a warm smile by Jan Siano. As the new administrative assistant, Jan is one of the first faces you’ll see upon arrival, making visitors feel welcome and at home.
But beyond his role at the reception desk, Jan is also taking on a major personal challenge—training for the Cambridge Half Marathon to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Jan, no stranger to fundraising, has previously shaved off his shoulder-length hair to support a charitable cause, documenting the moment on Instagram with the help of his friends. Now, he’s aiming to raise more than £350 for Macmillan through his half-marathon run next month. Running alongside a friend, Jan sees this as just the beginning—his ultimate goal is to complete a full marathon in the future.
His journey as a member of the team at Alex Wood House began when he was just 16. Originally starting as a weekend housekeeper for extra pocket money, Jan quickly fell in love with the care home’s strong sense of community and authentic care. Encouraged by his father, who had been deputy manager at both Alex Wood House and its sister home, Langdon House, Jan discovered a deep passion for working in the care sector
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Balancing his job with college studies in English literature, media, and history, he was disappointed when it was time to leave and thrilled when an opportunity arose to stay on as an administrative assistant while completing an apprenticeship with Athena.
Jan’s dedication to the home extends far beyond his administrative duties. He makes time every day to connect with residents, engaging them in conversations about their hobbies and interests as he celebrates every individual within our homes. He even brings in his beloved Westie, Mickey, to visit one particular resident who has always had a Westie in her life. His ability to brighten someone’s day is one of the many reasons he is considered an asset to Alex Wood House and why he loves his job so much.
Outside of work, Polish-born Jan has a passion for travel and immersing himself in different cultures and cuisines. This year, he plans to visit family in Poland, go skiing in Italy, and take a trip to Paris. He’s also a dedicated gym-goer and an avid football fan, supporting Liverpool—a connection he shares with his uncle, who lives in the city and is a big fan of the English league.
Reflecting on his time at Alex Wood House, Jan is grateful for the unexpected career opportunities he has received. Moving into an administrative role has allowed him to grow professionally with plenty of support. He values the life lessons he’s gained, which he applies both at work and in his everyday life.
Jan has three grandparents living in Poland, and he treasures the wisdom and stories of older generations. “I like to be able to brighten someone’s day and enjoy chatting with older people who have so much to share,” he says.
If you’d like to support Jan in his fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support, you can visit his JustGiving page – Jasiu Siano is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Every donation brings him one step closer to his goal—both in running and in making a difference for those affected by cancer.
