Thrillseekers on a high after NHS charity skydive

A magnificent team of seven daredevils took their fundraising to new heights when they completed a skydive to raise money for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity.

The charity’s first aerial challenge at Skydive Hibaldstow in North Lincolnshire on Friday 17 June included thrillseekers Jane Bowler, Sarah Neal, husband and wife duo Angela and Pete Trezise, Tom McCann, Caroline Pollard and Mohamad Jabir.

They have raised £6,500, inspiring the charity to host a second event at Skydive Hibbaldstow on Sunday 18 September 2022.

Midwife Sarah Neal, 41, said: “The skydive was absolutely amazing, such a fantastic experience and something I’d love to do again. I’ve been telling everyone to give it a go – you won’t regret it! Thank you so much to everyone that has sponsored me or spurred me on, especially my cheering squad who came to hold my hand on the day. I’m so proud to have raised £1,000.”

Jane Bowler, a Healthcare Support Worker on Ward A5, took part in memory of her sister Joanne, who sadly passed away from pneumonia in 2019, aged 52.

Joanne, who suffered from muscular atrophy, was cared for in the charity-funded Purple Butterfly room on the Fitzwilliam ward.

Jane, 54, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic experience. I’d love to do it again!”

Angela Trezise, 50, and her husband Pete, 55, took part in the skydive to mark Angela’s milestone birthday. Angela, a Data Quality Officer in Patient Access, said: “I was so excited, although my face on the video showed my nerves more than anything! The Hibaldstow team are so reassuring and experienced, we felt really looked after.

“It was exhilarating and I would definitely encourage staff and the public to sign up and give it a go, especially if it’s something on your bucket list. It was a brilliant experience and I’m really proud that we have raised £1,510.”

The charity hopes the original trailblazing team of skydivers will inspire others to sign up and take part in September.

Taking part in a charity skydive allows those with a head for heights to experience the thrill of freefalling from 15,000ft, while also raising funds for the charity.

Tandem skydiving is one of the easiest and most popular skydives – perfect for divers who have never done it before. Participants simply need a 20-minute training session before they jump strapped to a British Parachute Association qualified instructor. They will do all the hard work for you, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of flying through the clouds with the hum of the plane engine in your ears!

Skydivers can secure their place with a £60 deposit and will be required to raise a minimum of £400.

Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, said: “We can’t thank the team enough for their support and we are delighted to hear they had such a great experience. Our skydivers raise much needed funds for the hospital charity.  Everything we do is about improving the treatment of local patients and supporting NHS staff to deliver the best quality of care at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.”

For more information about the event and to register visit: https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/Fundraising/Skydive_2022/

If you need a little more convincing to jump out of a plane to raise money for the charity, or have any questions, please get in touch via 01709 426821 or [email protected].