Charity Skydive for Emmaus 2025
This September, experience the ultimate adrenalin rush, and help raise vital funds for your local homelessness charity!
I was homeless for 18 years, living from day to day and not knowing when or if it would ever end.
It was a very scary experience. I slept wherever I could, in many different places. Sometimes it was in a park, or I’d find a secluded bench for the night. I often found a spot down by a riverside, away from passers-by.
Keeping myself safe was a big concern. I even sometimes slept under a bush – hidden away so no-one would spot me. I couldn’t keep myself completely safe though; I was attacked on four separate occasions – each time a terrifying experience.
I felt completely alone, with no-one to help me through any of it. I got no support. That all changed when I found Emmaus.
Finding a place at Emmaus
I’ve lived in a series of Emmaus communities across the UK, and each one has given me a home, support, and work opportunities. Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland has been my home for many years now, and I’m part of a close-knit community here.
It is like gaining a new family – everyone supports each other, and I have a role I really enjoy, helping to run our Emporium charity shop in Hinckley. Living alongside others is a big part of the Emmaus experience. At ‘Elm Lea’, our community home, we all help with the day-to-day running of the property and support each other, just like a family would. The Emmaus support staff are always there, helping with anything we need. If I ever have a problem, they do their best to sort it out straight away. When I had no idea I could claim a pension, they supported me through the process and made sure I got what I was entitled to.
Having been supported by Emmaus for so long, I’ve always tried to give something back. Over the years, I took part in sponsored walks to raise money for the charity and spread the word about its work. I’ve also been involved in Emmaus solidarity, where we help others who are struggling. Whether that’s donating furniture to families in need or supporting people in crisis, it feels good to give back – I know what it’s like to have nothing.
Life now
These days, I’m semi-retired, but I still help out a couple of mornings a week at our Emporium charity shop. It keeps me busy, and I enjoy being around people. After nearly 30 years with Emmaus, I couldn’t imagine not being part of it.
As I’ve slowed down, I’ve found new hobbies. I’ve become a big collector – I have a huge collection of model cars, including some original 1940s Corgi models, and I’ve recently got into collecting rare coins. I love finding out about their history, and I’ve built up a collection of silver coins, Churchill coins, and even a full set of Winnie the Pooh coins!
Emmaus has been my life. If I wasn’t here, I don’t know where I’d be. It keeps me going.