Wellington resident's sky-high support for Dementia Awareness
Wellington resident Brian Standring is not one for sitting still.
When not getting involved in life at Ivy House, the 86-year-old can often be found enjoying his hobby of Nordic walking or participating in his local parkrun in Taunton every Saturday morning.
More recently, however, he has discovered a new pastime. While jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Brian describes the experience as “magic”.
He will be attempting his fourth skydive this Saturday 24th May, during Dementia Action Week, to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.
“It’s breathtaking,” he effuses, “quite outstanding to see the world from up there. It’s great fun.”
The reason that skydiving appeals to him is not just the thrill of it, but it is also a great opportunity to raise money for a cause very close to his heart.
Having previously helped to care for his friend, Alan, and had other friends who have lost their lives to dementia, Brian knows all too well the tremendous toll it can take, not just on people who live with dementia, but also their friends and family.
He calls the day-to-day experience of carers “the rough end” when it comes to dealing with the effects, and it was Alan’s diagnosis that inspired him to become a Dementia Friend in 2014, a programme run by Alzheimer’s Society.
“Ever since,” he says, “I’ve been passionate about trying to do something, whatever it might be, to help people with dementia. The great thing about being a Dementia Friend is that you can be a ‘friend’ to someone with dementia, however you interpret that to be. There are so many opportunities to choose from and you can give however much time you want.”
Brian has volunteered as a Companion Caller and has sat on the Volunteer Advisory Panel for the organisation. They have recognised his contribution by presenting him with two prestigious People’s Awards in 2021: in the Couldn’t Do Without You category, which is chosen by a group of staff, volunteers and trustees; and in the Best of the Best category, which is given by the Chief Executive.
Ever modest, Brian is keen to downplay these achievements.
“I was very proud and honoured to receive the awards, but I just see them as awards for volunteering,” he explains, “and there are a lot of very good volunteers. I don’t pretend to be particularly special in that regard.
“I suppose the aspect of helping those less fortunate is in my DNA. That’s what I’ve tried to do with the Marlow Striders,” (an inclusive running club Brian co-founded in 1990 when living in Buckinghamshire), “and with Alzheimer’s Society.”
Brian also regularly helps out at his local church, and helps to organise fundraisers at Ivy House, which is run by the charity Abbeyfield Living Society. One such event is happening this Friday, where proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Alzheimer’s Society, one of their chosen charities.
Brian is aiming to raise £2,000 for Alzheimer’s Society through his upcoming skydive. If you would like to donate, please visit his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/brian-standring-11 (or you can search for his name at the justgiving.com homepage and click on the 'Why I am jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft at 15,000 ft?' heading.)
Brian understands that the money he raises could go towards paying for somebody making phone calls to someone living with dementia or their carer; or to somebody answering the call for help; or to a researcher to continue to develop better treatments for the disease.
However, he says, “It doesn’t really matter to me what it’s spent on in specific terms.
“As long as it ultimately helps someone with dementia, or their carer, or their family, that’s why I do it.”
Discover Ivy House
Located in the heart of Wellington, Ivy House offers peaceful and secure sheltered housing for older people aged 55 and over. Just a short stroll from the town centre, you'll find convenience and community in one place.
Each of our 25 rooms provides private living with your own kitchen and bathroom, offering independence within a supportive environment. Enjoy our lovely gardens with views of the Wellington Monument and easy access to local amenities and transport.
Ivy House is ideally situated near Wellington Park, the picturesque Wellington Basins, and various sports facilities. Our home is wheelchair accessible and provides a 24-hour helpline for added peace of mind.
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