Thanks for taking the time to visit Ryszard's JustGiving page.

Ryszard (Richard, Danny, Dick, Rysio... Dad) was born in 1938 in Gdynia, Poland. While his father was serving as a doctor in the Polish Navy, Ryszard and his mother escaped to England. A slight little boy, he was sent off to boarding school (St Joseph's College in Beulah Hill) which proved formative; he learnt English and made firm life-long friends, with whom he blew up the Chemistry lab ("accidentally") on more than one occasion. Despite which, he successfully graduated to become an Electrical Engineer working on the Channel Tunnel, Victoria line and various power stations (really... whose bright idea was that?!). He also wooed and won a glamorous tropical diseases nurse, Kam, whom he met at a hospital Christmas ball, by inviting her out on a low-key first date at Wimpy followed by many more exotic adventures abroad. He had a passion for photography (developing films himself), motor vehicles (four and two wheeled) and his wife (following her to Malaysia to convince her parents that he was worthy of her hand). The two of them had two tiny terrors, who grew up loving them both dearly knowing there was nothing their Dad would not do for them.

In 2018, Ryszard was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. His beloved and devoted wife of 50 years and best friend for 60 years, slowly became his full-time carer. Attending church until his last week on Earth and forever a playful spirit who loved being the centre of attention, making others laugh and regaling everyone with his meandering stories, he sadly passed away peacefully on Friday 4th November 2022 surrounded by family. 

During his last years, Age Exchange provided Ryszard and Kam with a place to socialise, sing, dance, make memorable "art" and a community which understood the challenges of living with and living alongside a love-one whose memory was fading but whose story deserves to live on. As such, we have set up this JustGiving page to celebrate Ryszard's life and the work of Age Exchange.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity. £5 supports a caree and carer enjoy an AE session. If you can afford to give, know that your donation will be warmly received and if you can't, please just read his story, flip through the gallery and enjoy having known Ryszard!