Samantha Sharpe was 25 when her Mum died. Every year on her mother’s birthday, Samatha does something for charity and recently she took on a skydive in Miami to raise funds for Winston’s Wish on what would have been her mother’s 60th birthday.
Samantha explains, “I lost my Mum, Melissa, when I was 25 and although I was not a child, the heart break and pain was unlike any other I had ever experienced. Every year on her birthday I do something for charity as I feel this fills the hole in my heart, as she always made me feel so special on my birthday, always having events and parties. She taught me how to organise big things – to always make a real day of it and how to feel joy by making someone else feel special.
“I chose to do a 10,000ft Skydive in Miami! As it was Mum’s 60th birthday, I would have done something big – so I did something big! I am usually scared of heights but for some reason I’m always okay in a harness and I’ve always wanted to do one, so I thought why not!”
By doing events for charity every year, I feel I am still organising something for her, even though she is not physically here. It really helps me.
Samantha Sharpe
Samantha decided to set up a Facebook fundraiser to raise money for the charity to continue giving hope to grieving young people across the UK. Samantha says, “It is a really simple process, I created a photo banner with the Winston’s Wish logo and my Mum’s photo and wrote a short bio on what I was doing.
“I was in total shock and awe at how supportive my friends and family have been. The money goes through PayPal and then directly to your chosen charity, so it is easy.”
Samantha continues “Thank you for helping young people go through the biggest losses of their lives, I wish I had known about Winston’s Wish sooner and the work you do is immeasurably important. I would like to thank my Mum – Melissa; for being my drive to do amazing things like this!”
Winston’s Wish is grateful to anybody who undertakes a fundraising activity, whether that is a cake sale, run or challenge or a skydive! If you’re feeling inspired to take on a challenge to raise vital funds to help support grieving young people, then why not take a look at our dedicated events page? Or, if you feel like you have a head for heights, why not sign up to take part in your very own skydive in memory of your special person?
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