An Armagh student will be taking the plunge for the Alzheimer’s Society when she jumps from a plane at 13,000 feet.
Sadhbh Gorman (18) is undertaking the skydive for a cause which is close to her heart.
Her much-loved granny suffers from Alzheimer’s and Sadhbh also works part-time in Orchard Lodge Care Home in Armagh which specialises in dementia care.
“My granny taught me to do everything, from sewing to cooking,” she said. “She could have taken a pair of velvet curtains and turned them into a suit.
“She was the head of a care home as well, so things have come full circle for her as she is now a resident in a care home herself.
“But she is very well looked after there. She doesn’t know us or anything that’s going on around her but she seems happy enough in her own wee world.
“Her Alzheimer’s started about 10 years ago but it was a very slow burner. I love talking to people who knew her years ago and hearing stories about her.”
Sadhbh, who will be going into Upper Sixth at Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry, in September, also enjoys her work in the care home, describing it as “really rewarding”.
“Before I did it, I talked to my aunt who is a nurse. A lot of the work is about making the person comfortable and maintaining their dignity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sadhbh can’t wait until the skydive on August 8. “I’ve never done anything like that before, but I love rollercoasters and that sort of thing!” she added.
The teenager, who plans to go to university and pursue a medical-related career, is delighted with the support from family and friends to date and has more than doubled her initial fundraising target of £500.
Anyone wishing to donate to Sadhbh’s GoFundMe page should click on the link so https://uk.gf.me/v/c/qm6y/sadhbhs-skydive-for-alzheimers
