A BUSINESSWOMAN wants to continue granting people’s wishes after paying for her father-in-law to take a trip of a lifetime.
Asisters Ltd, a Winchester and Chandler’s Ford-based company helping people remain independent in their own homes, sent 75-year-old Chris Budden up in the air to fulfil his dream of flying a spitfire.
After granting her father-in-law’s greatest wish, the company’s co-founder Karen Budden, from Morestead, has been inspired to do the same for more people.
Karen, 56, said: “Chris supported the business from day one distributing leaflets and sharing posts on social media and so, as the business has grown it simply wanted to say thank you in recognition of his early day's support.
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“Knowing his bucket list greatest wish was to fly a Spitfire it was the obvious gift. With the sun shining Chris finally made his debut flight on Friday, August 12 from the Aerodrome site in Headcorn, Kent flying across the white cliffs of Dover, experiencing victory rolls and actually flying the spitfire for a few seconds. It was a day he will never forget.”
The business, launched in 2018, is now on the lookout for nominations of people like Chris whose bucket list wish they can help come true.
Following a successful few years and low overhead, Karen feels that spending money to grow brand awareness through good deeds rather than just leaflets is the way forward. With a three-quarter of a million-pound turnover, the business is keen to give back to the community that helped it grow.
Assisters Ltd hopes to award one person a year with the chance to tick off a bucket list wish. Karen added: “To spend thousands of pounds on a dream come true is money well spent.
“I genuinely really enjoyed getting something out of making someone’s wish come true. Even if I shut my business tomorrow, I’ll know I’ve done something good.”
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The budget will be about £3000 a year for wishes such as tea for two at the Ritz, a theatre show, a football game, a dinner party, flight tickets to visit family or arranging a reunion.
To nominate someone, contact karen@asisters.co.uk with a full name and details of the bucket list wish.
The company, which opened a base in Oakmount Road in Chandler’s Ford in October, helps people live independently through companionship, dressing, washing, housework, transport, foot and hair care, parenting support and overnight care. For more go to asisters.co.uk/.
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