Local care team taking to the skies to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society

Exeter local Katie Derrick and her team at Right at Home Exeter & Exmouth will be embarking on a hair-raising skydive to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Katie, 34 who is Manager of the Devon homecare provider will be joined by Managing Director Tony Macrae (61) and CareGiver Belinda Blackwell (60), along with Katie’s mum Anne Charles (60) for the skydive, which is taking place on 24th September in Honiton.

Not only is Alzheimer’s Society the official charity partner for Right at Home, but it is also a charity close to Katie’s heart as a family member was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last year. Katie and the team will be cheered on by Right at Home Clients and CareGivers who will be watching the big event on the day. 

The team will be working to reach the impressive £1700 fundraising target, but also to raise awareness of the incredible work of Alzheimer’s Society and how to spot the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Research from Alzheimer’s Society found that 1 in every 14 of the population aged 65 years and over is living with dementia and that by 2040, if current rates of prevalence continue, there will be over 1.5 million people with dementia in the UK.

Katie Derrick, Registered Manager at Right at Home Exeter & Exmouth said: “I’m really proud (and slightly nervous!) to be taking on this challenge to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. The charity skydive was my idea, I was actually inspired by many of my homecare Clients and wanted to do something bold to help raise money and give something back to the charity. I still can’t really believe I’m going to be jumping out of a plane!”

Tony Macrae, Managing Director at Right at Home Exeter & Exmouth said: “When Katie came to me and told me she wanted to organise a skydive, I didn’t hesitate in volunteering to take part. Not only is Alzheimer’s Society our official charity partner, but it’s also an organisation that has particular significance for Katie and the rest of my team. The more money we can raise for such a great cause, the better, so please do donate if you can!”