Alexa Peach and her Peachy Tattoo

Alexa’s Peach

Where do we begin with this courageous Peach of a woman, Alexa.

Alexa Peach is a 56-year-old woman living with a rare condition known as Multiple System Atrophy; also known as, MSA. MSA is a progressive neurological disorder that affects adult men and women. It is caused by degeneration or atrophy (shrinking) of nerve cells in several or multiple areas of the brain. This can result in problems with multiple bodily functions such as speech, breathing, movement, regulating emotions, as well as balance and blood pressure control.

Alexa was diagnosed with MSA in January 2022 and has always remained optimistic about her diagnosis, however, despite her optimism, living alone at home was becoming unsafe and consequently on 30th March 2023 Alexa Peach moved into Bishops Manor care home in Sutton Coldfield.

We never take for granted how difficult the decision to move into care is, but for Alexa, the decision was huge, not only because she is so young (in fact, Alexa is our youngest resident to date), but also because her condition has progressed so quickly; nevertheless, in spite of the difficulties she has faced, the decision to move into care was made and Alexa did so and with so much optimism. Alexa has a fabulous sense of humour - she always remains positive and she inspires every person who has the pleasure to meet her.

Keen to generate awareness about the condition, we decided on a charity fundraising event and discussed with Alexa what she would like to do to make the event a success. It was during this conversation that we discovered Alexa’s bucket list! Alexa has always wanted a tattoo, and with this in mind, we set about making this happen.

We have teamed up with Vivid Ink Tattoo studio, Sutton Coldfield to make one of Alexa’s wishes come true, and in doing so we will raise awareness about Multiple System Atrophy.

Vivid Ink Sutton Coldfield have generously gifted us a whole day of tattoo time with one of their artists’ Summer, who is not only going to give Alexa her very first tattoo, she will also be tattooing some of the Bishops Manor team on the day too, who wanted to get the same tattoo as Alexa in her honour. Alexa has decided on a bespoke Peach design, created for her by Summer.

We also wanted to use the day to raise money for the MSA Trust (charity no 1137652) and all donations going to support the wonderful work they do raising awareness and helping those with the condition. We will be holding a Caribbean themed festival (Alexa’s idea!) at the home at 3pm on 01/09/2023 to celebrate the day, with everyone from the Sutton Coldfield community and beyond welcome. Food and refreshment will be provided free of charge by Bishops Manor care home, with any donations to MSA Trust greatly appreciated if you’re able to join us for the festival, or if you can’t make it but still want to show your support of Alexa and this amazing charity.