*View Michael's story in the gallery*

Jewish Care have recently made a powerful film about my good friend Michael Lee. I want to thank Jewish Care for all they have done and continue to do to support Michael which is why I have set up this fundraising page. It costs Jewish Care almost £500 each week for just one resident to stay living in the home Michael lives in. This shortfall is met thanks to the generosity of individuals and families in the community. Without this support Jewish Care could not keep the doors open. 

Michael is one of the almost 50 people who live in Jewish Care’s homes for people with mental health needs.

They are able to receive the support they need thanks to support from across the community, from people like you. 

In his twenties Michael was a business man, extremely successful, living an affluent life in the heart of Mill Hill. We often attended Jewish Care's annual dinners together never dreaming that the very organisation he was supporting would one day support him. It was the tragic loss of Michael’s son, 23 year old Adam, following an 18 month battle with a brain tumour that changed everything. 

Adam was Michael's whole world, and when he passed away Michael couldn't cope.  Michael had a mental health break down. He didn't know where to turn and he spiralled out of control, he lost everything. 

After a long period of hospital admissions, poor social housing and even a short period living rough, Michael’s ex-wife Susan contacted Jewish Care. In her words that’s when things started to change.  

Susan was delighted when a place was made available for Michael at Sidney Corob House, a Jewish Care home for people with mental health needs. 

After almost 10 years of struggling, Michael is now receiving the care and support he needs. He is, for the first time, since losing Adam, far more positive about his life and the future. 

He says "Without Jewish Care I really don't know what would have happened to me. The staff are amazing, the delicious hot meals I get each day are so nice, and I am so thankful for their support". 

I echo Susan’s words. Alongside my family I have been a supporter of Jewish Care for along time. Only now do I truly understand the impact of the work it does and the value of my donations. If you can please do donate today, it would be greatly appreciated.

You can view Michael's film in the gallery of the page or by visiting this link https://youtu.be/ux82sC5DG1c

Malcolm Carter