Biggest turnout to date of local daredevils supporters of Sheffield Hospitals Charity

28th May 2019

In total 19 people chose to fly to 15,000 feet and jump out of a plane to raise money for a charity close to their hearts and to help local patients.

The brave faces included a team of nurses from the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, which was rallied together by Maria Vincent a specialist limb reconstruction nurse at the City's Northern General Hospital. Maria said: -We're all equally daft for the doing the Skydive, I didn't think anyone would join me but how wrong I was! -We all had our individual reasons for doing it, some of the team are patients receiving treatment, some are colleagues wanting to raise funds for the department, and others are relatives of my colleagues who simply want to help a good cause. Chris Challenger wanted to raise funds to show his appreciation for the on-going support, care and treatment his uncle has had since being diagnosed with an uncommon cancer. Chris said: -The past few years have been pretty tough, with my Grandad losing a hard-fought battle to cancer and my uncle, Nicholas Challenger, being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma just over a year ago. -I wanted to give something back to the NHS for the amazing care and treatment provided for him. Nothing has been too much trouble. His consultants have provided care and compassion, explaining each procedure, and all the staff on the wards have been unbelievable, keeping spirits high with true dedication. -I didn't really have any nerves leading up to the jump. I think my family were more nervous than I was, it was only when the plane kept going up I thought 'wow this is high!'. The Sky Dive was an unbelievable experience and such an incredible buzz when you take the plunge. In total, Chris has raised an astonishing £2507.50 for the 02 ward at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Community Fundraiser for Sheffield Hospitals Charity Kimberley France said: -To see so many people all supporting different parts of the hospitals that they have received such excellent care in, and to be able to support them on the day was an absolute pleasure. Sheffield Hospitals Charity has places for various skydive dates available. For more information, or to sign up, visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/Event/skydive