A team of brave fundraisers are taking to the skies to raise money to support carers across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk.
On Saturday 12 September 2020 seven people will be doing a sponsored skydive at North London Skydiving Centre in Chatteris. The money raised will go towards the work we at Caring Together do to support carers – people who look after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction.
Having had their planned skydive delayed by the coronavirus crisis the easing of restrictions means they are now all set for take-off. They will be jumping from 10,000 feet, attached to an instructor, and freefall at 125mph for 30 seconds, and return to solid ground having seen the Fens like never before.
The coronavirus crisis has made life even harder for carers and those doing the skydive realise their efforts are even more important than when the fundraising jump was first planned, before coronavirus had struck. Carers have said the impact of the coronavirus crisis on them includes:
- 78% are not able to take a break from caring
- 82% feel more stressed
- 76% say their caring role has increased
- 77% feel more lonely/isolated
- Just 28% feel their local community is supporting them more.*
Ruben Sardinha said, “I’m terrified of heights, really afraid, but it’s a fear that I want to overcome so what better way of doing it by skydiving and helping a charity at the same time.
“With your help I will do a massive jump from an aeroplane at 10,000 feet, and cry a lot in my way down, but more importantly I will help carers. People like you and me, who without any formal training become carers for their family member for numerous reasons, and at this challenging stage of their lives need help and support. This is where Caring Together come in.”
Clare Tevlin, who works as engagement officer for Caring Together said, “I am proud to be raising money for carers, as a carer myself along with my mum, for my dad with multiple sclerosis, I understand the importance of carers and their voice in the local community. The money raised will go a long way in supporting carers of all ages.
“Three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives. This is why myself and others have decided to tick off one for the bucket list and have signed up to raise money for this fantastic charity.”
To donate to help carers you can go to www.caringforcarers.uk
If you or your business want to join #TeamTogether to raise money to support carers – whether that is by taking part in a daring or energetic challenge, or while keeping your feet firmly on the ground, please contact [email protected]
Or you and your mug can help us to #GiveCarersABreak – by posting a picture of yourself with your mug on social media, nominating three friends and donating £3 by texting C4CARERS to 70331 (standard text rates apply). See caringtogether.org/givecarersabreak for details.
* Figures produced by Caring Together from a carer survey on the impact of the coronavirus.
