Fearless fundraisers soared to new heights after completing a daredevil skydive for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The adrenaline-filled challenge took place at Beccles Skydive and raised nearly £30,000. Among the 29 people taking part were four colleagues from the charity’s Care team and family members who receive support from EACH. “It was an incredibly successful day and our sincere thanks – not to mention complete respect – goes to those who took on this challenge,” said Senior Community Fundraiser Ali Butler. “A skydive is a tough thing to do and certainly not for the faint-hearted. “However, it was lovely to see the looks on people’s faces when they were back on the ground. They clearly enjoyed a very special and exhilarating experience. “Every person with us on the day – both those who jumped and everyone who came to support them – was just brilliant. “They brought such energy, enthusiasm and positivity and I can’t thank them enough. “To have raised as much as we did was amazing and will make such a difference to our vital work across the region.” Among those to take part in the tandem skydive event was Norfolk councillor Roger Atterwill, who raised £2,645. He said: “The skydive was an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget. It was exhilarating and lots of fun. “I wanted to do this challenge because EACH has provided incredible care and support to my family since my baby granddaughter, Bonnie, passed away in February 2022. “I can’t fully repay their kindness but doing this skydive seemed a perfect way to raise money and give something back, so it can go on providing invaluable support to other families both now and in the future.” Others families to have received support also signed up for the jump, which involved freefalling at 120mph from 13,000ft. Among them were Stuart Delf and son Stuie, who raised £1,345. Stuart and wife Carla’s youngest son, Fraser, died when he was nine and received end-of-life care at Milton, near Cambridge. The Princess of Wales, then The Duchess of Cambridge, planted a sunflower in his memory during a visit to The Nook, near Norwich, in June 2020. Stuie said: “I was nervous beforehand, although that didn’t last long as I loved every moment of the skydive and wanted to go straight back up and do it again.” Another family with a close connection to EACH were Dan Oswald and partner Emma Wood, Shân Oswald and Jason Oswald, who raised nearly £3,500. Dan and Emma’s son, Reggie, died when he was nine months old in August 2022. “It was incredible,” said Dan. “I can’t even begin to describe it but absolutely loved the experience and am already planning the next one.” Shân, Reggie’s grandmother, added: “‘I found it petrifying. “Even watching the videos makes me feel sick inside but it was for Reggie and EACH. Hopefully the next challenge is on the ground!” Emma said: “I found it amazing, too, and it was one of the craziest things I’ve done. “I stepped in at the last minute so didn’t have time to think about it. All I knew was that I was doing for Reggie, Ralph (Emma and Dan’s other son) and EACH.” It was also a big day for four members of the EACH Care team, based at Milton. Jan Stanbury-Jones, a Child and Family Practitioner, Becky Burlinson, an Art Therapist, Fay Wilde, a Family Support Practitioner, and Anna Pinner, a Care Assistant, took on the challenge with Jan’s 18-year-old son, Jacob. Between them, they raised nearly £4,400. “The skydive was fantastic and I didn’t realise freefalling at 120mph, from 13,000ft, could be so much fun,” said Jan. “It was an awesome experience and the whole day was made extra special by our group of supporters cheering us on. “Jacob and I would like to thank everyone who donated and those who encouraged us to fulfil this adrenaline-fuelled challenge for EACH.” Also among those taking part were six colleagues from The New Homes Group – corporate supporters of EACH and the headline sponsor of this year’s Happy Christmas Ipswich 4 show, at the Ipswich Regent, in December. Between them they raised £10,000. Judith Harris, a much-valued volunteer at EACH’s Dovercourt shop, also took part and raised nearly £1,700. “It was an amazing experience and definitely something I’d do again,” she said. The skydive took place on Saturday, 9th September. Image credits EACH
