A local Care Experienced woman is swimming a marathon distance this month hoping to raise funds for the Christmas dinner held by the national charity, Who Cares? Scotland.
The charity brings together around 100 Care Experienced people, who might otherwise spend the festive season alone, to enjoy a dinner on Christmas Day. Who Cares? Scotland also sends more 2,900 parcels with a handwritten card and small gift to their members. The Christmas Day meal offers a time for people to get together, receive presents and build meaningful connections during a time which might otherwise be isolating.
Carmel grew up in Kinship Care (which means living with family but not necessarily birth parents). The term Care Experienced means anyone who is currently in care or has been for any length of time regardless of their age. She has chosen to swim 26 miles – the distance of a marathon – as she feels it reflects the emotional marathon that Care Experienced people have over Christmas.
She said: “As a Care Experienced person, WhoCares? Scotland has been a huge source of strength for me for many years now and I want to give something back by supporting the Christmas Appeal. Christmas can be an especially hard time of year for Care Experienced People. We cannot change past Christmases, but the Care Family Christmas can create new, positive stories of belonging and community for so many people.
“I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m a mixture of nerves and excitement. I’ve already swum around 16km, and I know it won’t be easy but I’m totally determined.”
Louise Hunter, CEO of Who Cares? Scotland, said: “Efforts like Carmel’s go a long way to ensuring we can continue to deliver our Care Family Christmas offer – whether that’s sending a personalised parcel to all our members or hosting 100 Care Experienced people for dinner on Christmas day.
“Christmas is traditionally associated with family gatherings, comfort and warmth. But for Care Experienced people who might not have a traditional family support network, these things can’t always be taken for granted. That is why any help our supporters can give this year’s Christmas fundraising campaign will be gratefully appreciated and help to make a real difference for Care Experienced people.”
If you would like to support Carmel and the Who Cares? Scotland Care Family Christmas, you can donate to her fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/carmel-jacob-1731186758426
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
