"It is amazing to see the progress he is making"

Sunday 08 July 2018

A 13-year-old Haute Vallée student has been praised for her efforts in raising money for a home that cares for severely physically disabled islanders - including her dad.

Rebecca Noke's dad, Paul, has lived at Jersey Cheshire Home for just over three years prompting the teen to get involved in a range of fundraising efforts.

The youngster has been particularly active in supporting the Home's £2 million Big Build extension and refurbishment project. She recently raised money as part of the Channel Islands' Student Business Challenge, where she was half of a duo named 'Funky Creations' which designed a range of coasters, rings, earrings and key rings, including Jersey Cheshire Home branded ones.

As a result of her efforts, Rebecca raised £230 for the charity. She has already committed to taking part in next year’s Student Business Challenge.

The teen said she is constantly motivated to help out because of the work the Cheshire team does at Eric Young House. "The work they do is outstanding," she said. "They do a lot for dad and the physiotherapy and aquatherapy are particularly helpful to him. He loves to be in the water and when I join him it is amazing to see the progress he is making."

Jersey Cheshire Home general manager David Lord said that Rebecca regularly supports fundraising eventss for the home. "It is wonderful that she is so enthusiastic and willing to give up so much of her time to help. We really appreciate her support," he said. 

Pictured: Rebecca has supported Jersey Cheshire Home's £2 million Big Build project.

To try and encourage more support for the charity ahead of the annual Haute Vallée School walk, Rebecca spoke to about 350 of her fellow students as part of two assemblies. The teen explained that there are currently 25 permanent residents at Jersey Cheshire Home, which costs £2 million a year to run.

Rebecca also said the number of residents will increase when the £2 million Big Build project is completed in September. She explained the project will improve many of the existing bedrooms as well as provide much needed new and expanded facilities for residents, staff and the 400 plus regular monthly users of the home’s amenities.

The students were told that while the average length of stay at other local nursing/residential care homes is 18 month to two years, the average stay at Jersey Cheshire Home is 15 years. Rebecca explained the extension to Eric Young House is timely as demand for services is growing and it is essential that the needs of the community can be met in the years ahead.

Charlotte Riley, Rebecca's head of Year, said that she is a committed student who has shown a great deal of passion, not only toward her studies but also to helping others both in and outside of the school. "She works tirelessly to promote change and is a valued member of Haute Vallee not only to staff but to students who she assists every day. We are so proud of her achievements and how she has overcome adversity while still helping others."

Rebecca said that she is really looking forward to having a week’s holiday in Southampton in August with her mum and dad, something that would not be possible without the help of Jersey Cheshire Home. "I can’t wait for this holiday to make some amazing memories with my family," she said.