Supporting Local Fundraising: Emily & Jessie’s Skydive for Alzheimer’s Society
At Oriental Shop, we love being part of our amazing local community. So when members of the public approach us to assist their fundraising efforts, we always try to help.
Just before Christmas, Jessie reached out to us and asked whether we could contribute a little something for a raffle that she and Emily are organising. To raise money to complete a charity skydive for the Alzheimer’s Society. We said yes of course.
This is a cause so special to each of them, please read their stories below to understand why they have decided to do fundraising for this specific charity.
This is Jessie’s story
For a few years, my Nanny’s (my dad’s mum) health has been deteriorating. I’ve always been very close to my Nanny. She has always been a very independent woman, working as an estate agent until she was about 73. I have fond memories of her, taking me out in her bright yellow mini to go have fun days out. Then after, going back to her perfect little bungalow, that never seemed to change over the years. Even if all the walls were painted or carpets replaced, it’s always felt the same, very homely. We’d always light a candle by the fireplace and watch movies with snacks until, eventually one of us fell asleep.
On April 23rd 2023, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She also has other health issues which cause her to be unstable on her feet. She has an alarm bracelet and cameras installed around her home, so the family can check in on her to make sure she’s okay. It’s fair to say, that even with dementia, she is still so determined to stay independent. She has always been this way, which is something I’m happy to see.
It’s been very hard for me and my family. Seeing the changes in her and knowing it’ll progress get worse and having to accept that.
This is Emily’s story
My Great Nan, Margaret (whom I call Nan), started to get dementia after her husband died, in 2010. The dementia started slowly, with her misplacing things and losing keys etc. The family started doing sleepovers to make sure she was safe in the house. Over time, unfortunately, the dementia progressed. Around 2016/17, she started living in the past, living as if she were a child with her mother and sister. She was forgetting who we (the family) were.
In 2018, Nan had care workers who came to visit three times a day, helping her with tasks she would forget day-to-day. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to support her, Nan started going missing in the middle of the night and was found on the streets by the local people in Surrey. After a tough decision, we placed Nan in a care home in 2019 for her safety. This broke our hearts because we wanted her to live in the house she built with her husband in West Byfleet. The house is very special, all the grandchildren would spend every weekend there. All special occasions such as queens party, garden parties, you name it.
In 2019, I was pregnant and gave birth to my baby, Indie. I never got the chance to tell my nan. She was so unwell and confused that anything new could have unsettled her. I desperately wanted to see my nan and tell her the news that she had a great-great-granddaughter. As it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, it meant I wasn’t allowed to see my nan at the care home due to COVID-19 regulations. I was told it would’ve made her feel unsafe and confused as she wouldn’t know who I was.
Unfortunately, after a tough battle, Nan passed away. My heart broke as I never got to get the chance to say goodbye and she never got the chance to meet her great-great-granddaughter. My Nan would’ve loved Indie and I know she would’ve spoilt her rotten. Just like she did to me and my cousins. My Nan was the most loving and generous person, she was the best to all of us. I’m doing this (charity skydive) for my Nan because this illness took over her life and it would’ve broken her heart if she knew what was happening to her.
The decision to Skydive
Talking to Emily about what she went through with her Nan and what is happening to my Nanny. This inspired us to want to contribute in some way. I felt guilty and helpless that I couldn’t do anything to help until Emily and I decided to take this journey together. We want to try our best to raise money for this amazing charity which helps support people just like our Nan/Nanny.
I know my Nanny is extremely proud of me. That is what gives me the motivation to do this charity skydive!
– Jessie
How to support Emily and Jessie
You can buy raffle tickets or simply donate to support their mission by visiting their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jessie-em-1703270169337.
You can also follow their journey and find information on what raffle prizes you can win on their Facebook events page here.
