Exeter care team raises over £1,800 for Alzheimer’s Society with charity skydive

Exeter local Katie Derrick and her team at Right at Home Exeter & Exmouth embarked on a hair-raising charity skydive last week to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Katie, 34 who is Manager of the Devon homecare provider was joined by CareGiver Belinda Blackwell (60), along with Katie’s mum Anne Charles (60) for the skydive, which took place at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Honiton.

The team all had a brilliant time and were delighted to find they surpassed their impressive fundraising target, raising £1865 to date. Alongside the fundraising efforts they have also been helping to awareness of the incredible work of Alzheimer’s Society and how to spot the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia

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 were cheered on by Right at Home Clients and CareGivers who came along to watch the big event.

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 incredibly proud at how much we’ve been able to raise so far 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. It was a truly brilliant day, we all had so much fun. I still can’t believe we actually jumped 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 saying yes. 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 continue to donate if you can!”