A 22-year-old nurse from Radstock is preparing to jump from 10,000ft in a tandem skydive to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
22-year-old nurse Bridget Skinner
Bridget Skinner, a Community Staff Nurse in Bath and North East Somerset who describes herself as a bit of an adrenaline junkie, hopes to raise more than £500 to help people affected by dementia.
The skydive is set to take place on 25th September from Honiton airfield in Devon. In a bid to reach her fundraising target, Bridget is also carrying out a quiz night to raise money for the charity.
The quiz night will start at 7.30pm on Friday 6th August 2021 at Mardons Social Club in Midsomer Norton.
There’s an entry fee of £2.50 per person with four to six people per team. The bar will be open and there will be prizes and a raffle with the chance to win a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer.
Raffle tickets will be available to purchase in advance and on the night. To pre-book a team, or to purchase tickets, contact: [email protected].
Bridget said: “I haven’t done anything like this before and I’m looking forward to the skydive, but I am not sure if I will say that when I’m actually up in the plane!
“I decided to take part in this challenge for Alzheimer’s Society because I am a Community Staff Nurse in Bath and North East Somerset and have noticed that many of my patients are living with dementia.
“It really enlightened me as to how this terrible disease affects them personally and their family life. Coronavirus has changed everything for people affected by dementia.
“Many people have experienced a deterioration in their symptoms and an increased loneliness resulting in even more pressure on carers and family.
“I thought a quiz would be a great fundraising idea as it is fun and provides an opportunity for people to socialise as we are coming out of lockdown. The venue has plenty of seating, space and parking which may help people take that first step back to ‘normality’ after lockdown.
“It’s great to think that I will be raising funds to help support people living with dementia now and to fund research to one day find a cure for dementia.”
Hannah Dodwell, Challenge Events Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Society welcomed Bridget’s decision to help raise money for the charity.
She said: “It’s wonderful that Bridget is giving her time to support Alzheimer’s Society. We’re hoping for clear skies for her on 25 September and wish her all the best for her thrilling challenge as well as her fundraising quiz.
“People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus, with thousands dying and many more rapidly deteriorating, from both the virus and knock-on effect of lockdown.
“Like all charities, our income has taken a huge blow due to the pandemic, while demand for our vital services like the Dementia Connect support line has sky-rocketed.
“Without the generosity of supporters like Bridget we simply cannot keep up. Her fundraising will make a big difference to lives of people affected by dementia and their families who have never needed us more.”
Bridget is one of many people signing up to do a sponsored tandem skydive in September to mark World Alzheimer’s Month.
Thrill-seekers can raise money for Alzheimer’s Society while jumping from 10,000 feet at one of 19 airfields across the UK.
To sponsor Bridget, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Bridget-Skinner.
