A group of St Catherine’s Hospice staff is taking to the skies as part of the hospice’s first ever
tandem skydiving challenge.
To help celebrate 33 years of St Catherine’s supporting terminally ill people and their families and
friends in the local community, five members of staff have signed up to take a leap of faith on
August 20 at the old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury.
Amongst them is Community Fundraiser Emily Bradbury. As a professional fundraiser she has decided to take part to help inspire other supporters to reach new heights for the hospice. Emily been preparing for her skydive by trying out outfits that will get her used to her jumpsuit, using a onesie, bicycle helmet and swimming goggles as substitutes. She said: “As a fundraiser at St Catherine’s I encourage and support others in the community to fundraise so thought it really is about time I did some myself. I feel privileged to work at St Catherine’s and to see first-hand the incredible care and support the hospice gives to people across the local community, providing services for patients, families and friends, both within the hospice and in their own homes. These services are delivered free to all those who need us, but cost more than £17,000 a day to provide, which is why it is so vital to raise as much money as possible so that we can continue to be there for all those facing an end-of- life illness.”
Beverley Russell, who works part-time in St Catherine’s Human Resources team is also showing her support by taking to the skies. She said: “I am doing a skydive for the second time, the first being in 1973. Last time, it went too fast so I want to sit back and really enjoy the ride this time. Emily and Beverley can look forward to flying 10,000 feet through the clouds at speeds of up to 125 miles an hour and freefalling for about 30 seconds.
Michaela Clements, events fundraiser at St Catherine’s said: “It has been great to see the support from staff for our first ever skydive. I never knew there were so many adrenaline junkies around the hospice but I am really looking forward to cheering them on in August.
“Every day, Emily and Beverleysee the difference people taking on challenges like this make to our patients and I hope their bravery will inspire other people in the local community to come forward to skydive for St Catherine’s.
Anyone who would like to support Beverley or Emily in their skydive challenges may donate on their
JustGiving pages here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BeverleyDRussell-2016 or
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Emily-Bradbury
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