Care to Air: Kings Park Team Skydive for Charity
Two members of staff from Barchester Healthcare’s Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown have taken fundraising to new heights by completing a charity tandem skydive in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
Home Services Advisor, Jane Shanahan and Community Care Lead, Stephanie Read, joined ten other thrill-seekers at Old Sarum Airfield near Salisbury, Saturday 14th June to raise funds for the Dorset-based charity. The event was part of the Skydive25 fundraising challenge for Lewis-Manning.
The day brought perfect weather for the daring pair, who after registration were kitted out, before completing their induction and then taking to the skies. Jumping from an incredible 15,000 feet, Jane and Stephanie experienced a minutes free fall of over 120 miles per hour before their parachutes opened, revealing stunning views across Wiltshire – including Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge and stretching as far as the Isle of Wight.
“It was absolutely incredible – breathtaking and exhilarating,” said Jane. “We’re both already thinking about booking again!
Both wore bright shoes so they could be spotted from the ground and were lucky that friends and family managed to capture some fantastic photos.
The pair also paid tribute to their colleague Angela Cawsey, Activities Lead, who was due to take part but was sadly unable to on the day. Angela is determined to complete her skydive later this year.
So far, the Kings Park team have raised £1,476, contributing to a collective total of £6,885 raised by all the participants on the day. All the money raised will go directly to support the vital work of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, which needs to raise £3.8 million each year to provide its services free to help people with life limiting illnesses and their families across East Dorset.
Jane and Stephanie added:
“We want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us — from our wonderful residents and their families, colleagues, local businesses and especially our own friends and family. Also for being there on the day as ground crew! Your generous donations will go a long way in helping Lewis-Manning continue their incredible work in our community.”
General Manager at Kings Park Care Home, Jenna May, added:
“We’re all so proud of Jane and Stephanie. Not only was it an incredibly brave thing to do, but they’ve also raised valuable funds for a charity that’s close to many of our hearts here at Kings Park and the community.”
