James Taylor, 41, soared to new heights in a daring skydive, raising more than £600 for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.
The National Account Manager from Wittering leapt from 13,000 feet above Sibson Aerodrome in a powerful tribute to his brother Stewart, who was cared for by Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice earlier this year.
Plummeting through the sky at speeds of up to 120 mph, the adrenaline-fuelled challenge marked James’s second skydive – but this this time the jump carried deeper meaning.
“I’d actually done a skydive before, about eight years ago for a surprise birthday,” James said. “It was probably one of the most nerve-wracking things I’d ever done. Doing it again, especially in Stewart’s memory, didn’t make it any less terrifying – but it made it far more meaningful.”
After receiving a diagnosis for lung cancer, which spread to the rest of his body, Stewart spent his final days receiving care at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.
James said: “It was such a welcoming place – comforting and peaceful with beautiful gardens. The support we received was incredible.
“The staff had a lovely way about them. Their care extended beyond Stewart to our whole family, which meant so much – especially to my mum during an incredibly difficult time.”
Speaking after the challenge, James said: “I wanted to do something bold to raise money for Sue Ryder. The freefall was indescribable – terrifying and exhilarating all at once. It was over in seconds, but it leaves you with a real high. I’d certainly do another one!”
James added: “I’m delighted to have smashed my £500 fundraising target – people have been so generous. My brother didn’t like a fuss, but I think he’d be really proud. It’s amazing what people can achieve when they pull together.”
Annette Mawby, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to James for taking on such a thrilling challenge for Sue Ryder. The funds raised with go towards helping us continue to provide expert compassionate care to families when they need us most.”
For more information on Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit: www.sueryder.org/thorpehall
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Notes to Editors: About Sue Ryder: At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years, we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. We are a safe and reassuring hand you can reach for. From providing care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief – so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.
We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
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