A Kempston woman who left her career to fulfil wishes for children battling terminal and life-limiting illnesses says she feels “grateful every single day.”
Pritti, 46, founded the charity Creating Memories in 2018 after experiencing the loss of two close friends to terminal illnesses.
Her charity grants wishes for children across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, ranging from grand trips and parties to smaller gifts such as toys and sensory experiences.
Read: Creating Memories celebrates achieving charity status
Pritti left her previous job to focus fully on helping others and has since fulfilled 32 wishes. Her dedication has earned her recognition as a regional finalist on the ITV Pride of Britain Awards.
“I realised I didn’t want to continue in my old job. I needed to follow what my heart was telling me. Pritti said. “Creating Memories is about capturing moments that matter.
“It’s about cherishing the present and finding joy in what we have.”
One of the children Pritti has helped is nine-year-old Olivia, who has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, leaving her with only half of a functioning heart.
Despite numerous surgeries, Olivia has developed a love for Formula One, a passion shared by her family.
Pritti arranged for Olivia and her family to spend an unforgettable weekend at Silverstone, where she met her heroes, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
“After everything Olivia has been through, this was a chance to just have a weekend full of happiness,” said her mum, Tanya Scarman. “It’s a memory we’ll treasure forever.”
Jennie Collier, a play specialist at a local hospice, praised Pritti’s creativity and determination.
“For a relatively new organisation, Pritti has made some extraordinary things happen. The memories she helps create are priceless for these families.”
When asked about her nomination for the Fundraiser of the Year Award, Pritti reflected: “Winning would mean the world to us.
“But more importantly, we just want to continue bringing joy to families and giving them something to hold onto forever.”
