A wish to help others

Kingfisher resident Tony had just one Christmas wish this year- to help find a cure for Parkinson's disease, a condition he has lived with himself for 20 years. With the help of the team at Kingfisher and the local community in Cheshunt, Tony has helped to raise over £500 for Parkinson's UK.

Among the fundraising activities included an odd sock day where residents, families and staff donated £1 to wear their odd socks – raising £60 in the process. Meanwhile, home manager Mary contacted the nearby Dewhurst St Mary C of E Primary School, where pupils also joined in the cause. Headteacher Sue came in for a meeting and took an interest in the Kingfisher wish tree, making the decision to get her pupils involved with helping with some of the wishes. The pupils decided to come in and sing carols to the residents and presented Tony with a cheque for £230 – they had been fundraising on his behalf to help make his wish come true. Tony was completely overwhelmed by the childrens support.

The help continued with a letter being sent to Tesco Brookfield Farm with a lovely response from Lynn the charity champion. She decided to hold a fundraising day in store and all of the funds raised were donated to Tony’s cause. Lynn came in to Kingfisher and presented Tony with his cheque, much to his surprise and delight. 

After all the hard work for Tony’s wish, the Kingfisher team contacted Parkinson’s UK to tell them the good news. Simona Southgate, regional fundraiser at Parkinsons UK, came to collect the donations and to thank and present Tony with a certificate in person. We are all so proud and thrilled for Tony and the team at Kingfisher. Tony said “If this can help one person that is what I wanted.”