Being part of #TeamSFE is a great way to take on a personal challenge whilst raising money to support our work across the city. This year, two brave individuals are doing just that, by taking part in our first tandem skydive fundraising event…

Money and Ali will be donning parachutes and taking to the skies in August in order to raise valuable funds for Services For Education and hope to encourage others to take on a challenge and join #TeamSFE themselves.

We recently chatted to both of them to find out what made them sign up for the challenge, and how they’re feeling.

Money, Ali, welcome to #TeamSFE, can you tell us a bit about yourselves?

Money: Hi, I’m Money, Cluster Sales Manager at Malmaison and Hotel du Vin Birmingham, and an Executive Committee Member of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham. I am 33 years old, and I’ve had the privilege of growing in an industry I’m passionate about and was recently honoured with the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2024 award in Hospitality, retail and Events.

Ali: I’m Ali,18, currently working as an IT Apprentice at Services For Education as part of the EDE Team.

So, you’ve decided to join #TeamSFE and be part of our first skydive fundraising event this summer – can you tell us why?

Money: Outside of work, I’m a dedicated martial artist but here’s the twist: I’m terrified of heights. That’s why skydiving is a huge personal challenge for me. I’m taking this leap (literally!) to raise money for Services For Education, a charity close to my heart that transforms lives through learning and music. This isn’t just about conquering fear, it’s about creating real impact.

Ali: I’ve always been keen to challenge myself and develop both personally and professionally. I have decided to do the skydive because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push my limits while supporting a great cause.

It’s an exciting challenge, definitely something a bit different. Tell us how you’re feeling about it.

Money: It’s hard to sum it up, but I’d say terrified but trying, bravery through fear, dread into action.

Ali: It’s a mix of adrenaline and purpose which makes me proud to take the leap for charity.

Why are you supporting SFE?

Money: I am supporting SFE because I BELIEVE in the transformative power of learning and growth. For years, music has been my personal therapy, it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, healing and connection. Music has helped me navigate through tough times and find peace within myself and through fundraising want to support to create opportunities for others to experience the same.

Ali: I’m supporting SFE because of the vital work they do to help young people transform their passion for music into a special talent. Their support has a lasting impact, and I’m proud to help raise funds for their mission. Also, I’m part of the EDE Team which also includes our Fundraising Manager, Sarah, so she persuaded me to take part!

  #YouCan Support #TeamSFE

Ali’s Fundraising Page: Mohammed Ali Ashraf is fundraising for Services For Education Limited

If you feel inspired to take on a personal challenge of your own as part of #TeamSFE then please contact Sarah, our Fundraising Manager, to get involved; fundraising@servicesforeducation.co.uk

Cluster Sales Manager at Malmaison and Hotel du Vin Birmingham, Money, pictured left and IT Apprentice at Services For Education, Ali, pictured right.

  About the Author

Sarah Caldwell - Fundraising Manager, Services For Education

Sarah Caldwell joined Services For Education in Summer 2023, bringing with her over 14 years fundraising experience. Working in the Birmingham charity sector, she has raised valuable funds for a range of projects impacting the day to day lives of young people with disabilities.

Sarah has experience across a number of fundraising streams (including Trusts & Foundation, Events and Corporate Fundraising), and brings this, along with a strong interest in building relationships with supporters, to her role at SFE.