Jeremy Palmer, a 48-year-old from Bath, is preparing to skydive this August to raise crucial funds for Burlington House, the rehab centre that helped him overcome addiction. Once a patient at the centre, Jeremy not only completed his detox there in 2012 but went on to manage the facility, even setting up his office in the very room where he started his recovery journey.
After battling drug addiction, imprisonment, and estrangement from parts of his family, Jeremy credits Developing Health and Independence (DHI) with turning his life around. Now 13 years sober, a devoted husband and father, he oversees three local support houses dedicated to helping others facing similar struggles.
However, DHI is currently grappling with severe financial challenges worsened by the ongoing cost of living crisis. Chief Executive Rosie Phillips describes it as “a perfect storm of pressure,” citing increased demand for services alongside diminished funding and recruitment difficulties. “When the economy tightens, those already vulnerable suffer the most, even as charities face shrinking resources,” she explains.
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Communications Manager Marianne Rawlins highlights that individual donations have dropped as people tighten their budgets. “The people we support often encounter stigma on top of hardship, making our work more vital than ever,” she says, urging community support. “Just a small donation can make a huge impact. If everyone inspired by Jeremy’s story gave just £1, we could raise over £40,000.”
As Jeremy leaps from 15,000 feet on August 1, his fundraising efforts have already garnered £300 from a dozen donors. With your help, DHI can continue providing life-changing assistance to those who need it most.