We’re pleased to launch a new monthly column that will focus on charities across Bedford Borough, raising awareness of the work they do and the people they help.
We’re grateful to Pritti Saggi, who has offered to help charities across Bedford Borough tell their stories to Bedford Independent readers. It seems only right then that the first column should be from Pritti and about the charity she set up for people with life‑limiting illnesses.
Creating Memories: A local charity bringing joy to families facing life‑limiting illness — and why we need your support
Bedford’s community has an extraordinary ability to come together and support each other when it matters most. I do believe we all crave meaningful connection and would jump at the chance to make a difference in our community.
That belief inspired me to start a charity. And it continues to guide everything we do.
I’m Pritti, founder of Creating Memories. I founded the charity after losing two close friends to terminal illness. Seeing how much small moments meant to them during their fight with their illness and their families showed me the true power of memories.
Our charity’s mission remains deeply personal: to grant wishes and create treasured experiences for children, young people, and adults living with life-limiting or terminal illnesses locally.
The wishes we get may sound simple, but they unlock so much more: true joy, connection, and moments of control in lives shaped by hospital visits, treatment plans, limited abilities and uncertainty.
When I completed my very first wish, I felt a warmth and purpose I had never known before. I knew this charity work was my purpose in life.
Shay’s wish
Shay’s wish is a perfect example of turning compassion into action: He’s a young boy passionate about cooking who was losing his vision. He wished for a private cooking class with a chef before he lost his sight.
Thanks to our local supporters, we were able to organise several unforgettable experiences for Shay.
Sessions with local chocolatier Aneesh Popat, renowned local chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, and visually impaired chef Chris Lord, who encouraged him to keep cooking despite his vision becoming impaired.
His dad later shared, “Creating Memories achieved something amazing… thank you for letting Shay do the activity he adores.”
The power of Bedford’s community
Behind each wish is a network of people: local businesses, volunteers, and supporters.
They are the people who create the memories. We became a registered charity in 2020 and have already supported more than 50 families. Every time I’m reminded that even the smallest act of giving can create a lasting memory to be treasured by all involved.
Read: Creating Memories celebrates achieving charity status
Right now, like many small charities, we’re facing rising costs and limited resources. One of the biggest challenges is to secure sustainable funding, yet the need for what we do continues to grow.
We would love to fulfil more wishes; it’s what Creating Memories was designed to do. Your contributions directly support the wishes of children, young people and adults who fight terminal illness.
Supporting a local charity like ours means you don’t just give; you can see the impact you have.
You can support us in different ways:
- Make a one-off donation today or set up a regular monthly subscription; every penny counts!
- Choose us as your Charity of the Year at your workplace or sports club,
- Sponsor a wish
- Offer your skills or services
- Volunteer with us
We’re also currently recruiting new Trustees to support our Board. Could this be you? Email to arrange a chat: info@creatingmemories.org.uk.
Donate: creatingmemories.org.uk/donate
Get in touch: creatingmemories.org.uk/contact
Follow us: @creatingmemoriesuk
This is a monthly guest column provided by
charities in Bedford Borough.
It is published unedited and does
not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
