Peterborough mum to cast aside fear of heights to help Sue Ryder Hospice

The event has been delayed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic but both remain determined to see the challenge through.

The skydive will be self-funded with all donations going directly to the charity and will take place at Sibson Aerodrome. So far, the combined total raised stands at around £1800, with the new date of September 19 still a few weeks away.

The money will go towards helping the hospice as it supports people who are dealing with terminal illness, neurological conditions and loss.

Sophie said:“I always do one mad thing a year for charity and this year it’s the skydive.

“I’m not very good with heights, I took my children to the High Ropes in Birmingham recently and it was terrifying but I won’t quit and I do love an adrenaline rush.

“With my other fundraisers, I like the challenge but I only do them once.

“I’ve done bungee jumps, long bike rides without training and I’ve done the Stamford Rat Race... you couldn’t pay me to do that again.”

While Sophie has helped so many good causes over the years, this feat is part of a coordinated effort to raise money for Sue Ryder Hospice.

Both Sophie and Rachael are members at the Empire Gym in Market Deeping, whose nominated charity is the hospice and together, members have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the cause.

Later this year, fellow members Theresa Gillett and Natalie Torrens, whose bake sales have been a roaring success, hope to trek across Iceland to raise further funds.

Sophie has also helped organise delivery of 2000 sets of PPE to the hospice during the pandemic.

She added: “I am overwhelmed by what the team at the hospice do. All of my friends and family that have had dealings with them say they can’t fault them and that the people there are just amazing.

“They are fully self-supported and are really struggling right now, so it would be great to do my little bit as well as raise awareness.”

Anyone wishing to donate can click here.