Skydivers raise money in epic style!

Seventeen fundraisers from teenagers to an octogenarian took to sunny skies on 14th July, skydiving from 12,000 feet in aid of Hospice in the Weald. Accompanied by an experienced skydiver, all supporters had different motivations for jumping – from those who had skydiving on their bucket list and wanted to raise money for a good cause, to those who were pushing themselves out of their comfort zone in memory of a loved one cared for at the Hospice…

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. Ruan 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.”