2020-09-08 14:32:14
A Bristol woman is getting ready to take a leap of faith next week as she takes on a skydive to raise money for the learning disability charity where she works.
Patricia Gaitan is Commercial Development Manager at Hft, and has worked for the charity for four years. The 42 year old was inspired to take on the challenge of a lifetime after seeing first-hand how hard Hft support workers have worked throughout the Coronavirus pandemic to provide vital care and reassurance to adults with learning disabilities across the UK.
The Horfield resident has already raised £400 as she braces herself to take the plunge on 12 September. Patricia will be heading to Salisbury, where she’ll jump from a height of 12,500 feet and enjoy up to 50 seconds of free-fall before opening her parachute. While preparing for the challenge ahead, Patricia has been receiving plenty of encouragement from her co-workers and two children, who will be there to support her on the day. All funds raised are set to go towards Hft’s Pandemic Appeal, which aims to ensure staff and supported people have access to vital supplies and services during an uncertain time.
Patricia said:
“I’ve always loved adrenaline but have never dared to take on a challenge like this – until now! While I’m feeling nervous, I’m looking forward to the feeling of accomplishment when I land back on solid ground, and to the views of the Wiltshire countryside I’ll have on the way down.
“After seeing our support workers working incredibly hard to care for and protect people with learning disabilities over the last few difficult months, I thought it was the right time to take a leap of faith for Hft. Our staff are heroes and have worked day and night to ensure people they support can find more enjoyment, comfort and satisfaction in their lives. They’ve inspired me to take on this challenge and I hope to do them proud.”
Emma Macdonald, Sporting and Challenge Events Manager at Hft, said:
“Challenges are a great way to have fun and fundraise for your favourite charity at the same time. We’re thrilled that Patricia is taking to the skies this month to raise funds for our Pandemic Appeal. Thanks to people like her, we’ve been able to raise vital funds for some of the most vulnerable people in society. A £10 donation could purchase shop vouchers for supplies such as food and hand gels, while £50 could help us be there for even more families through our Family Carer Support Service. We’re so grateful for Patricia’s efforts and will be cheering her on all the way.”
To donate, visit Patricia’s fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/patricia-gaitan1
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
