Taking the plunge for AAG: £2,620 raised at Twickenham
There are easier ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.
But on 18 October, Janene Velvick from carehome.co.uk, Tim Gibbons from Hoolock Consulting and our own David Annand found themselves high above Allianz Twickenham Stadium, ready to take on the Twickenham Zip Wire in support of Adopt a Grandparent.
The weather was not exactly on their side. It was chilly, windy and wet, but at 3.50pm the three of them took the plunge and crossed the stadium.
So far, they have raised an incredible £2,620 including Gift Aid, with more donations still coming in.
For us, there was something fitting about choosing a zip wire as a fundraiser.
Adopt a Grandparent is built around creating safe, secure connections between older people living in care homes and trusted volunteers. We carefully match people around shared interests, hobbies, language, culture and life experience, giving them the chance to get to know one another through regular one-to-one video conversations.
Standing at the top of a stadium, putting your trust in the connection that will carry you safely across, brought that idea into sharp focus for David.
He said:
“When you are standing at the top of a stadium about to trust a wire to carry you across it, you become very aware of the importance of a safe and secure connection.
“That idea felt very close to what we do at Adopt a Grandparent. We create a safe way for two people to connect, get to know one another and build trust over time. The result can be a friendship that becomes a really important part of someone’s week.
“Janene, Tim and I had a brilliant time, despite the wind and rain, and knowing we have already raised more than £2,600 makes it even better. I am hugely grateful to everyone who sponsored us.”
We are equally grateful to Janene and Tim for taking on the challenge alongside David, and to everyone who has donated so far.
Every penny raised helps us continue offering Adopt a Grandparent free to care homes, residents and volunteers, while giving us the opportunity to reach more older people across the UK.
And if this has given you an idea of your own, we would love to hear it.
You certainly do not have to throw yourself across a rugby stadium.
David added:
“If you have an idea for a fundraiser, we would love to hear it. Every pound raised helps us create more friendships for older people living in care homes.”
Whether you want to run, walk, bake, organise an event or take on a challenge of your own, there are plenty of ways to support AAG.
Find out more and get involved here: https://adoptagrandparent.org.uk/fundraise-for-us.