Jay's mighty mission for Dementia UK
At Abbeyfield House in New Malden, our dedicated Activities Coordinator, Jay, isn't just organising events for our residents –he’s also going the extra mile (quite literally!) to raise funds for Dementia UK by giving up chocolate and walking 31 miles in May.
Working daily within Abbeyfield House, Jay sees the diverse needs of older people, including those living with dementia, and the vital role their families play.
This firsthand perspective from Abbeyfield is what inspired Jay's fundraising. Seeing the challenges faced by both residents and their families has highlighted the importance of organisations like Dementia UK, who provide crucial support and information.
"I chose Dementia UK because not only do they help those diagnosed with Dementia, but they also help the families by supporting them and giving them information as families tend to get overlooked, and that's so important."
For thousands of families facing dementia, it can bring uncertainty and confusion. Dementia UK understands this, offering a lifeline through their specialist dementia nurses, known as Admiral Nurses. These nurses provide advice and support to anyone affected by dementia, ensuring that no one has to face it alone. Every day can present new and complex challenges, making the support offered by their Admiral Nurses life-changing.
Through his roles as an Activities/Wellbeing Coordinator, Jay has developed an understanding of how dementia can affect individuals and their loved ones. This insight led to Jay wanting to make a real difference.
“Through the years I have seen the sadness in families as they see their loved one forget who they are. I have done many things to help support families, and to try and get them a network to share information with each other.”
Jay's been actively fundraising towards his £1000 target and has already raised a commendable £874. His message is simple and heartfelt: these funds will directly benefit families navigating the complexities of dementia. Furthermore, Jay hopes to encourage a greater understanding of how to positively interact with people living with dementia.
Jay is undertaking two significant challenges: giving up chocolate and walking 31 miles this May. For someone who enjoys a good chocolate treat, this is no small feat! Alongside this, Jay is incorporating more walking into his daily routine, including longer commutes to and from Abbeyfield House, steadily clocking up those miles.
"I eat a lot of chocolate, so I knew it would be a challenge!" Jay laughs. "And it's always good to walk. I'm taking a longer route to work now and have been averaging 14-17k steps a day."
The daily temptation of chocolate at Abbeyfield House has been a notable part of the journey. "At work there is chocolate everywhere! It's both funny and a challenge when other staff or residents munch away on their chocolatey treat while I just stare at them wishing I could have some!" Jay admits.
If you'd like to support Jay, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jamie-ward-91?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015
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Did you know Abbeyfield is a charity dedicated to providing welcoming and supportive homes for older people since 1956? Your donation directly helps us create fulfilling retirement years and strong communities for our residents across the country. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of older people.
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