Hospital staff set to skydive for sick children

This Sunday 17 April, 22 brave members of Derriford Hospital staff will be facing the daunting challenge of jumping from an aircraft flying at 15,000 feet, and diving through the air at over 120mph, whilst raising money and supporting our Gold Dust Appeal.

Sky Fletcher, a Pathology IT Technician at Derriford Hospital, has chosen to take part in the skydive because of her own personal experiences as a child. She said: “I was born with a congenital heart defect, so I spent some time in hospitals during my childhood, mostly at outpatient appointments.

“It was never severe enough to need surgery, and it resolved itself by the time I was in secondary school, but I knew the appointments were to do with a problem with my heart, and that my parents were concerned. I never liked going into the offices to talk to the specialist because it always felt tense, but the waiting room had toys that were fun to play with.

“Now I have two sons. My friends and I fell pregnant around the same time and two of my friends have had children born with heart defects, both of which are more serious than the one I had. One of the children will be having surgery in the next year or so to repair their heart.

“If there is a chance that I can help make the wards a nicer place to be for a young child to stay in, then I'll jump at the chance (excuse the pun)!”

A team from level 12, including Anita Dykes, Matron for Paediatrics, Emma Cronin, Gold Dust Appeal Fundraising Manager and some of the management team, will be cheering from the side lines at Dunkeswell  Airfield, Honiton.

Emma said: “I would like to thank everyone who is skydiving for our Gold Dust Appeal or has sponsored them. Jumping from 15,000 feet is a massive achievement and most definitely a daunting task!

“Skydive Buzz is now working with Gold Dust to offer sponsored skydives to anyone keen to raise funds, so if you would like to take on this challenge yourself, please do sign up!

“I would like to wish everyone good luck, thank you so much for your amazing support and I look forward to cheering you on this Sunday.”

If you would like to find out more or sign up, please visit http://bit.ly/SkydiveForGoldDust

For more information about the Gold Dust Appeal and how to get involved visit http://bit.ly/OurGoldDust and like the Gold Dust page on Facebook.