Soaring for a cause
Ivy House resident Brian Standring, 86, recently completed his fourth skydive, leaping from an incredible 15,000 feet to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.
After three previously scheduled jumps were cancelled due to persistent bad weather, Brian finally made the exhilarating plunge. He described the landing as "quite comfortable."
"Despite an okay start to the day," Brian recalls, "by the time we had gone through the training session and safety video, the weather had become cloudy, gradually getting worse. When we got up there, all we saw was clouds everywhere, as far as we could see."
The entire experience lasted around 25 minutes. "It started with a freefall strapped to an instructor, about 30-40 seconds, travelling at around 100 miles per hour. It just felt very, very windy, but I was able to muster plenty of smiles for my photographer!"
Then, as the parachute opened, the descent became still and slow. "We went down through the cloud, when you can’t see anything, and then we got a breathtaking view."
"Despite the weather, a parachute jump is unique in every way – a superb sight of our land, all stretched out before you; the excitement, the wonder, the colours, and a sure feeling of being in safe hands. Much safer than driving on the M5! Oh yes, and a birds’ eye view of other birds – quite a strange experience!" Brian quipped.
This latest jump, nearly three miles above the ground, is a far cry from Brian’s normally peaceful life at Ivy House, an independent living scheme in Wellington. Clearly a daredevil at heart, this was by no means Brian’s first skydive; it was his fourth!
A cause close to his heart
However, there's a personal reason behind Brian's daring feats.
He explains, "While I skydive for the excitement and pleasure it provides me, my key reason is that it is a good story to help me fundraise for Alzheimer's Society, and ultimately those living with dementia and their carer partners."
Having previously helped care for his friend, Alan, and with other friends who have lost their lives to dementia, Brian understands all too well the tremendous toll this condition can take – not only on those living with it but also on their friends and family.
He refers to the day-to-day experience of carers as "the rough end" when it comes to dealing with the effects of dementia. It was Alan’s diagnosis that inspired Brian to become a Dementia Friend in 2014, a programme run by the Alzheimer’s Society.
"Ever since," he continues, "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."
A life of community and giving
Brian enjoys his life at Ivy House and appreciates its ethos and family-style atmosphere, which is based on the Abbeyfield model of communal living. With core values of care, compassion, and community, Ivy House aims to help older people lead independent lifestyles in a safe and secure environment. Brian certainly takes full advantage of this, often enjoying his hobby of Nordic walking or participating in his local parkrun on Saturday mornings.
Beyond his adventurous jumps, Brian also dedicates his time as an Alzheimer’s Society Companion Caller and has served on the Volunteer Advisory Panel for the organisation. His significant contributions were recognised in 2021 when he received two prestigious People’s Awards: in the "Couldn’t Do Without You" category (chosen by staff, volunteers, and trustees) and the "Best of the Best" category (awarded by the Chief Executive).
Ever modest, Brian is quick to downplay these achievements. "I was very proud and honoured to receive the awards, but I just see them as awards for volunteering," he says, "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."
How you can support Brian's incredible fundraising efforts
Did you know that one in three of us will develop dementia in our lifetimes, and it is the UK’s biggest killer? Brian is keen to stress that "Every pound raised means that Alzheimer’s Society can continue being a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone living with dementia."
Please consider supporting Brian’s inspiring fundraising efforts if you can by visiting his donation page: www.justgiving.com/page/brian-standring-11.
Watch the amazing footage of Brian's skydive
Did you know we're a charity?
Abbeyfield is a charity established in 1955 by Richard Carr-Gomm with a revolutionary vision: to combat loneliness in older people by creating friendly, welcoming homes where they can find companionship, a sense of belonging, and remain connected to their communities. For nearly 70 years, we've provided housing, care, and support for older people, promoting volunteering, and ensuring our homes are at the heart of their local areas, helping residents thrive in supportive and enriching homes.
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