Barton Mills grandmother thanks local hospice by taking part in 10,000ft skydive

A Barton Mills grandmother is saying thank you to St Nicholas Hospice Care for the “lovely” care her husband received during his last days, by taking part in a sponsored 10,000ft tandem skydive.

Eileen Wright, 73, is on a mission to raise as much money as she can for the hospice in one year, and taking part in the sponsored Skydive Day at Beccles Airfield on Sunday, July 21, is just one of her “crazy” fundraising ideas.

Shoppers and passers-by at the Arc Shopping Centre, in Bury St Edmunds, might have spotted Eileen dressed up as a clown and collecting money for her sponsored skydive. Her smiling face and colourful outfit proved a hit on Suffolk Day and the Arc sponsored her £250 to make the skydive.

Eileen said:  “Alan and I were married for over 50 years before he sadly died of cancer last September. He couldn’t have had better care anywhere else. The hospice staff looked after him as if he was their dad. I miss him so much, but I thought I am not going to sit here and feel sorry for myself, I am going to spend the year raising money for the hospice and Cancer Research UK.”

The tandem skydive will see Eileen and fellow hospice supporters, fall 1,000 feet every eight seconds.

Lizzie Cross, hospice’s events fundraiser, said: “We are looking for more fundraising thrill-seekers to join Jo on the day. It will be an experience you will never forget and you will be helping us to continue supporting people like Alan and Eileen during times of dying and grief.”

Last year the day, which saw £5,680.97 raised for the charity, saw 16 daring supporters throw themselves out of a plane to add to the overall total.

Those wanting to take part are asked to pay a £50 non-refundable deposit and a minimum sponsorship of £350.

Visit the St Nicholas Hospice Care website to register your interest in taking part

https://stnicholashospice.org.uk/contact-us/skydive-day-register-interest/

Alternatively contact Lizzie Cross, Events Fundraiser by telephoning 01284 715599

Pictured above is Eileen Wright saying “hello” to shoppers in Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds on Suffolk Day and fundraises for St Nicholas Hospice Care.