Jeremy Palmer, a 48-year-old from Bath, is gearing up to skydive this August to raise funds for Burlington House, the rehabilitation centre where he once detoxed and later came full circle to manage. His inspiring journey from addiction to leadership exemplifies the powerful impact of community support.
In 2012, Jeremy faced formidable challenges—struggling with drug addiction, recently released from prison, and estranged from parts of his family. At his lowest point, Burlington House, run by the charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI), extended a lifeline. With their support, Jeremy detoxed successfully and has maintained sobriety for 13 years. Now a devoted husband and father, he oversees three local support houses helping others confronting similar battles.
However, DHI currently faces severe financial strain exacerbated by the ongoing cost of living crisis. The charity’s founder and Chief Executive, Rosie Phillips, describes the situation as a “perfect storm of pressure”. With increased demand for services and dwindling public funding, charities like DHI are struggling more than ever. Ms. Phillips explains, “When public funding is tight and the economy weakens, vulnerable populations needing support grow, but the resources to help them often shrink.”
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Marianne Rawlins, DHI’s Communications Manager, adds that individual donations have also declined. “People are understandably cautious with money right now,” she says. “Yet, our work supporting housing, homelessness, addiction treatment, and criminal justice support is more crucial than ever. Those we assist face significant challenges and stigma.”
To emphasize the impact community support can have, Ms. Rawlins points out that if everyone who resonated with Jeremy’s story contributed just one pound, the charity could raise over £40,000—an immense boost for a local organisation.
Jeremy’s upcoming skydive from 15,000 feet on August 1 is not just a bold personal challenge but a crucial fundraising effort. So far, he has raised £300 from 12 donors, with hopes to inspire many more to contribute.
As Jeremy takes this literal leap of faith, he reminds us all of the power of support and the difference we can make together. Your help can provide a lifeline to people facing the hardest battles of their lives.