Daring skydivers raise money for Hospice in the Weald

Daring skydivers raise money for Hospice in the Weald

Seventeen intrepid fundraisers from teenagers to an especially intrepid octogenarian took to sunny skies on Sunday 16 June, skydiving from a height of 12,000 feet in aid of Hospice in the Weald.

Accompanied in tandem with an experienced skydiver, all had different motivations for jumping. From those who had skydiving on their bucket list and grabbed an opportunity to take part and raise money for a good cause, to those who were pushing themselves way out of their comfort zone in memory of a loved one cared for at the Hospice.  

Matthew Causer took up the challenge in memory of his mum Jenny, who was cared for by the Hospice palliative care team before spending her last weeks and Christmas 2019 at the Hospice. 

Matthew said about his mum: “She didn’t let her cancer stop her doing what she wanted. Her passion for teaching, love of golf, and enjoyment in pottering along the canals was undiminished for as long as she was able.” Of the skydive, he said: “I think mum would be really proud, it’s always been a bit of a bucket list item to tick off.”

Age was no barrier for the intrepid Mick Barton

Mick Barton, aged 81, was the most seasoned of the group and first took the skies in 2007. 17 years later, he felt the call again. Asked how it compared, Mick said: “A lot colder than last time! I couldn’t feel my ears!” When asked what advice he would give to anyone jumping for the first time, he said: “I recommend it but do it before you get to my age of 81! I would do it again… but probably not next week”. 

Skydivers from plumbing supplier company Plumbase, based in Crowborough, raised sponsorship from their branch office. Kevin Raddenbury and Ruan Marx certainly gave their customers a lot to talk about. Kevin said: “To anyone considering a skydive, I’d say it’s good to step out of your comfort zone because you learn a lot about yourself and that’s an important thing to do.” It was also Kevin’s birthday on the day of the skydive – what a way to celebrate!

Lisa Browning, Relationship Fundraising Manager for Hospice in the Weald, was one of three Hospice staff to take part. By her own admission, she was also one of the most trepidatious jumpers. She said: “I’m not the most confident flier when I’m sitting down on as a passenger on a plane so jumping out of one was quite terrifying. However, I like to challenge myself, both personally and as a fundraiser, so I decided to take the literal plunge! My dad Malcolm passed away at the Hospice seven years ago. He was an adventurer himself and I’m sure he would’ve got a kick out of seeing me flying in the air. It was an emotional day. Thank you so much to my fellow skydivers and to all the family members and friends who came along to help make it such a wonderful experience for us all.”

Alison Mitchell, Hospice Fundraising Director, said: “A huge well done to our brave skydivers for taking to the air to support our work! Providing many different opportunities to fundraise is something we are proud of at Hospice in the Weald – there really is something for everyone. I am thrilled to say that our skydivers from Sunday have raised £15,500 so far. All funds raised help the Hospice to provide free care and support to people facing terminal illness and their loved ones.”

Lisa’s next adventure will be joining a team of hikers for the celebrated 67km Camino Frances trek in Spain next spring. To apply, visit the events section at hospiceintheweald.org.uk