Founded in memory of
Sarah Ellen Mary Jackson
Our Mission
Established in 2024, The Sarah Jackson Community Wish was created to honour Sarah’s memory by continuing the kindness, generosity and community spirit she brought to Otley and the surrounding areas.
Since launching, our dedicated committee — together with incredible supporters and fundraisers — has worked tirelessly to raise money in Sarah’s name and give back to the community she loved. Our mission is simple: to raise funds through events, raffles and community-led fundraising, and to use those funds to support deserving individuals, families, organisations and initiatives across Otley, while spreading kindness through every action.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN AND AROUND OTLEY
Thanks to the ongoing support of our community, we have already been able to make a meaningful impact. Our key work includes:
- Providing First Aid training for primary schools across the local area
- Delivering Mental Health First Aid training for employees of local businesses
- Funding replacement pads for Otley’s community defibrillators
- Supporting local Men’s and Women’s groups
- Helping a local bereavement support group and parents’ support group with essential costs such as rent
- Supporting SEN provisions in local schools
- Awarding funding through individual nominations for deserving people as part of our #GiveALittleLove initiative
Every project reflects our commitment to building a stronger, kinder community and ensuring Sarah’s legacy continues to make a real difference.
SEE ALL OUR BENEFICIARIES HERE
Get Involved
We welcome applications from organisations and community groups who would benefit from funding, as well as nominations for individuals who deserve a little extra support.
Apply for funding as an organisation or group
Nominate someone special and #GiveALittleLove
Together, with your support, we will continue raising funds, supporting local people, and keeping Sarah’s spirit alive within the Otley community.
Sarah's Story
When Sarah Jackson walked into a room, sunshine followed.
It started in her smile; it could be heard in her laughter, and its warmth came from her huge heart.
She was a lovely and loving wife to Andrew and mum to Luan & Blousey; a caring and constant daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin and a good friend to many.
She was outgoing. No one who crossed her path stayed a stranger for long. And she was generous. Anyone could benefit from Sarah’s generosity, be it a cuppa on a cold day, a lift in a direction she wasn’t going in, a share of her wisdom and skill in SO many areas (Sarah was the self-improvement Queen!) or simply just a piece of her time.
She wasn’t shy and if she had something to say, Sarah didn’t keep it to herself! She was strong minded but soft as marshmallow, professionally driven and personally devoted.
In August of 2023, after a 5 day fight in Intensive Care, Sarah tragically lost her life to a sudden and catastrophic brain bleed. Her family and friends were left devastated in the wake of the loss of their beautiful girl.
Some comfort was found when it was realised that Sarah had given permission for her organs to be donated way back in 2012, testament to her selfless character. (You can register your organ donation via the NHS here)
The day Sarah passed, three families were given the news that their loved ones would receive their ultimate gift. And three more would hear at a later date that their family member’s future was going to look a whole lot brighter because of Sarah.
Sarah still bringing her sunshine.
The Sarah Jackson Community Wish
You can click on our Donate Now page to select an up and coming fundraising event you'd wish to support.