Heanton Nursing Home Team Skydives to Raise for Dementia UK

A team of colleagues from Heanton Nursing Home have raised an incredible £4,502 for Dementia UK after taking on a charity skydive.

Months of planning, fundraising and community support led to the unforgettable challenge, which saw 11 participants jump from 15,000 feet, around 2.3 miles above the ground, freefalling at speeds of approximately 125mph before descending under parachute to the ground.

Representing Heanton was, care assistants Helen Barr, Shaju Manikuzil, Nihal Kadannalott, Anitha Ramannagari and Harpreet Bansal. Care practitioner Ella O’Connor and house lead Sivi Vargheese, who were joined by family and friends to complete the skydive.

For Helen Barr, who organised the fundraiser, the challenge carried an especially personal meaning as it was completed in memory of her father, who lived with vascular dementia.

Helen said: “This was about so much more than doing a skydive. I wanted to raise money for Dementia UK, but we also wanted to do something in memory of my dad. It was an emotional day, and during the jump I felt especially close to him. Watching everyone overcome their fears and achieve something they never thought possible, made me incredibly proud. There were so many hugs, happy tears and so much team spirit when we were all safely back on the ground.”

Among those taking part was Paul Mantle, a close family friend of Helen’s who has partial sight in one eye. Determined to complete the challenge, Paul raised more than £1,000 with the support of The Castle Inn in Landkey, which organised a quiz night and received fantastic backing from its customers and the local community.

The fundraising effort extended far beyond those making the jump. Relatives of family members living at, or who had previously lived at the home gave generously in support of the fundraiser.

For the team, those donations were especially meaningful. The continued support from families whose loved ones remain part of daily life at Heanton alongside those who continue to feel connected to the home after their loved one has sadly passed away, reflects the lasting relationships built between the home, its team and the families it supports.

The team also received a donation from Evolve Care Group, the family-owned care group that includes Heanton Nursing Home, helping the group reach its final fundraising total.

Helen said the generosity shown throughout the campaign had been overwhelming.

“It took a lot of planning to make this happen, but every donation, every message of encouragement and everyone who supported us made it all worthwhile. One in nine people will develop dementia, so raising money for Dementia UK is something that means a great deal to us. To be able to do that alongside such an amazing group of colleagues, family and friends, is something I’ll never forget.”