***Read the update from Theresa, Alex's daughter, below***

This year, I turn 90. 

I have always, in the back of my mind, had the notion of doing a skydive, and as I have got older the realisation that this may not be achieved becomes greater!

So in the year of my 90^th birthday I feel now is the time!

My family and friends are rather surprised by this because I haven’t got a particularly good head for heights!!!

But it is going to happen on 18 August at Langar Airfield, Nottinghamshire.

I would like to raise money to help refugee children who have had to flee their countries because of war and persecution and have settled in the UK.

Specifically a project called ‘Firm Foundations’ set up by Upbeat Communities. They are a Derby-based charity who want to provide support to refugee children and their families by providing a safe space for the children to be children and an encouraging & empowering environment for the parents to access the help they may need.

I have always had an awareness of migration. I remember refugee children arriving in in my home village after the Second World War and my family welcoming them with a warm heart. And as a keen reader of
current affairs I am very conscious of the global migration crises we are
facing right now.

I recently read The Lightless Sky by Gulwali Passarlay. It's about his fight for survival as a young boy along with his brother when they fled their home country of Afghanistan in search of safety and freedom.

This book really pulled at my heart strings.

I have always had a deep-seated sense of kindness and consideration. As a socialist I have always had a philosophy of equality, compassion and peace. I feel it is these qualities that have given me a heartfelt passion for humanity.

So please find it in your heart to help those children whose lives have been turned upside down by war and persecution and who deserve the same opportunities in life as any other children to help them reach their potential.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.