Dell and Nikita

Our supporters power the vital work we carry out across the UK and Ireland. In our latest 25 Voices article, we meet Dell and her daughter, Nikita, who turned their loss into a lasting legacy. They chose to fundraise for Lifelites in memory of Dipak (Dips), a passionate supporter of ours. In doing so, they are honouring him by raising vital funds that help children play, communicate and create precious memories.

Dell’s Story: Building a Successful Career and a Loving Family

Dell: I’ve lived in and around the east end of London my whole life, so a proper ‘East Ender’. A lot of my younger years were spent in and around the Bow area. I started school in Bromley-by-Bow, which was next to our block of flats, and my grandmother used to watch me play netball from her room. I was quite sporty; captain of Rounders and the Netball team!

I attended an all-girls secondary school in Mile End before we moved to Manor Park, where I went to a mixed boys’ and girls’ school. It was very different to what I was used to and it was during this time I met Dips.

Dips continuously pursued me during our time at school, and I finally said yes when we were at college and starting dating. At the age of 23, in 1991, we got married!  We were two different religions but both respected each other and family differences, who eventually accepted the marriage. We lived with Dips’ parents for 2 and a half years before moving into our own house in Redbridge, Essex.

In 1990, I started as an Administrator at a housing organisation. Within this time, I completed my Certificate in Management Studies and passed with a Distinction. After 18 incredible years, I undertook redundancy and a six-month break from work. Since this time, I have progressed to become an Executive Assistant, now working at HSBC.

In 1999, our daughter Nikita was born. It was during this time Dips and I decided to separate and after an emotional period, we became very good friends. His family were always good to me and Nikita, and we all had a great relationship. Although we were not together, the three of us became a very close-knit unit and were there for each other.

Remembering Dips and Continuing His Legacy

Unfortunately, in October 2021, Dips passed away very suddenly from a major heart attack. Although we knew he had high blood pressure and he was being treated for this, we never thought it would come to this.  He didn’t have any other illnesses, so this was very shocking to both of us and our families.

Before his death, Dips had been a Freemason for over 15 years. It wasn’t until after he passed away that we realised how much he supported Lifelites through his Lodge (Lodge of Eastern Bon Accord), and that the charity had become very dear to his heart.

Both Nikita and I wanted to continue supporting Lifelites and carry on Dips’ legacy. He loved children and loved seeing what Lifelites were able to do for them through the technology. By supporting the charity, he was able to make a real difference for children with life-limiting conditions and disabilities.

A Football Fundraiser to Remember

We spoke with Dips’ friends at GSF Car Parts Tottenham, where he worked as a Manager and they talked about organising a football match in his honour. Dips was a huge Liverpool fan and loved football, so we decided to turn it into a fundraising event for Lifelites in his memory.

We held the first football match event in May 2022 and then had a re-match in September 2023 (you can read more about the match here), and raised £4,000. The event was brilliantly organised and we invited Simon Pitts from Lifelites to explain what Lifelites does and the vital support it brings to children with life-limiting conditions across Britain and Ireland. He also explained that the money raised was enough to fund Eyegaze technology that will empower children to communicate and connect with the people they love when they couldn’t otherwise.

Visiting Richard House Hospice

We love what Lifelites does and really enjoyed visiting Richard House Hospice to see what the fundraising for Dips was able to achieve for the children there. Being able to try out the Eyegaze and see the PODS tent and Magic carpet, made us both passionate to do more for Lifelites and the children. We are proud to be sponsors for Lifelites and hope to continue to raise funds where we can and make a difference where possible.

Nikita’s Story: Inspired by Her Father’s Generosity

Nikita: Growing up, I was part of the local Brownies, Girl Guides and became a Ranger. I did a lot of charitable work and fundraising as a child, like bake sales or various events to raise money for different charities.

I loved baking as a kid, so when we did have the bake sales, I’d always chip in and make some goodies. Whilst at Brownies, I experienced going camping, which I will never do again!

I also played the Piano and got to Stage 4, but unfortunately stopped due to my GCSE’s and A Levels.

After leaving secondary school, I worked part-time at Mamas and Papas where we did a lot of fundraising. I also attended Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford and graduated in 2020, achieving a First Class Honours in Banking and Finance. Both my mum and dad were very proud of this achievement. We all celebrated my graduation, which was held in early October 2021. I feel very lucky that my dad had a chance to see my graduation ceremony before he passed away. After Covid, I obtained a full-time role as a Middle Office Associate at a Wealth Management company called Hottinger and have been there for 3 years.

My mum made sure my dad was very much a part of my life and we managed to spend a lot of time together. From a young age, I stayed with my dad every other weekend and we had some great times together. We would go shopping, go out for dinner or to the cinema and sometimes visit friends or family – there was always something to do!

In the years leading up to his death, we became a very close unit. Either he would come over to our home or we would visit him, where my grandma would cook lunch or dinner.

My dad became a Freemason as my granddad was a member of the same Lodge and was part of a local Lions Club too. As I grew older, I attended the events with my dad. He was extremely proud to have me by his side when he became President of the Lodge. He chose a really great venue, flowers everywhere, a dance floor and a brilliant DJ. It was packed with lots of people, friends and Lodge members. I was asked to deliver a speech about my dad and his progression within the Lodge. It was my first time giving a speech and I remember being nervous but it was a really good night. I have not hesitated from doing a speech since!

Keeping Dips’ Spirit Alive Through Giving

My dad never took himself too seriously and always had a bit of a playful side to him, having a laugh and telling these amazing stories. He loved Lifelites and the benefits it brings to the children. He wanted to be part of that and make a difference.

Visiting the Richard House Hospice and seeing all the technology, for me, was quite emotional, just seeing the children there and talking to the team. To be honest, we didn’t know this technology existed until we found out about Lifelites and what they do.

Seeing all of this incredible equipment putting smiles on people’s faces; the children, the parents, the staff, everyone, the technology is really amazing.  It helps so many families and we are so glad to be a part of the charity and do our bit to support the ongoing incredible work.

Learn more about Giving in Memory of a loved one to support Lifelites, or how you can get involved in organising your own charitable events.