Fatima worked with dementia patients for seven years, and that she found it hard to accompany them – both when family members didn’t know how to cope with a loved one’s illness, and when they passed away. 

“It was very hard to watch family members and to lose a loved one – because they become our loved one.” 

Pictured: Fatima will be part of a group of 23 people going on the Inca Trail, each aiming to raise £2,000.

She initially had the idea of doing the trek to fundraise when she saw a Facebook post from Dementia Jersey, calling for participants.  

Seeing that Dementia Jersey was stretched for funding, Fatima said she wanted to make sure dementia care is well-supported in future, particularly with more and more people being diagnosed earlier in life.

Her friends have been particularly supportive, suggesting creative ways to raise funds – with full-moon swims and walks, where they sell soup.

Pictured: Fatima and her friends are holding full-moon swims, raffles and other events to raise money for Dementia Jersey

Fatima left dementia care to become a care support worker working with people with complex special needs at Langtry Garden. Her employer, the LV Care Group, has pledged £100 towards her £2,000 fundraising goal. 

Fatima has also had the support of Magic Touch Jersey, which has provided her with free T-shirts. 

With the support of her friends she is putting together events including full moon swims and walks, where people can come along and support Dementia Jersey by buying soup.

Throughout her trek, Fatima says she will be thinking of the people she supported.

"It’s really close to my heart because I get to know family members, and I never will forget people that I supported," she said.

"Their fathers, their mothers, all of them will be in my mind while I'm on my journey."

Fatima has raised £850 so far, with the help of her friends and family. 

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Fatima's fundraiser is available here.