A Weston woman will leap from 10,000ft on the birthday she shared with her grandfather in an effort to raise money for charity in his memory.
Claire Wilson will complete a tandem skydive at Honiton near Exeter on August 18 to support Weston Hospicecare.
The charity cared for Claire’s granddad Jim Wilson before he died of stomach cancer in August last year, and she says she is keen to repay the kindness showed to Jim by raising money for the hospice.
Claire said: “Last year I sadly lost my grandfather Jim to stomach cancer. During his final days, Weston Hospicecare’s palliative team supported my Pops and the rest of the family, and made him feel comfortable.
“This year in memory of my hero, on our birthday, I will be jumping from 100,000ft to raise money for the team at Weston Hospicecare so they can carry on supporting families whose loved ones are struggling.
“Hopefully with the support of my friends and family we can help others receive the best care from our local charity.
“I have experienced first-hand what a fantastic charity they are, and how much they really do for families in need of comfort when they are losing someone so special to them.
“This is my way of giving a little back as a special thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Jim’s widow Val Wilson said she was proud of the effort Claire is making on behalf of the hospice.
She said: “On 23 August 2017 I sadly lost my husband Jim to cancer. After chemotherapy and an operation, which was unsuccessful, he was given just two months to live.
“After such a long battle his wish was to pass away at home with myself and family looking after him with the help of the palliative care team at Weston Hospicecare.
“Being the hero that he is he fought to make it three months, reaching our diamond wedding anniversary. We received a telegram from the Queen bit sadly he didn’t get to see it.
“He also made it to his 80th birthday, which he shares with his granddaughter Claire. This year on their birthday Claire is doing a skydive in memory of her grandad. This is also to show our gratitude to Weston Hospicecare for their help and kindness with Jim’s wish of passing at home.
“We are hoping the money donated will help others to have the kindness and support given to our family, to which we are so grateful.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation in support of Claire’s efforts can do so via her JustGiving page.