THIS summer, a fundraising champion will take the plunge when she jumps out of an aeroplane at 15,000ft to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.
Aana Jones, a Complex Adult and Paediatric Care Assistant from Sutton-in-Ashfield will take on the UK’s highest tandem skydive at Hibaldstow Airfield in Lincolnshire on July 11th.
The 35-year-old professional carer will brave the breath-taking charity challenge in memory of Mark Coley, who she cared for after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018. Aana saw first-hand the difference Ashgate made caring for Mark and wanted to do something to help the hospice in his memory.
Mark, who Aana describes as ‘leaving a lasting impression’, was transferred to Ashgate, where he received care at the end of his life. He died aged 61 – just over two years after he was diagnosed.
MarkShe said:
“I cared for Mark before he died. I’ll always remember him as being very kind, caring, having a fantastic sense of humour and just being a true gentleman.
“In his memory, and after the warm and loving support he received at Ashgate, I wanted to do something to help Ashgate raise vital funds towards the care it provides.
“I’ll always remember the staff at Ashgate being incredibly warm and kind, and the skydive is my chance to give something back.”
Aana is inviting fellow thrill-seekers to join her on next month’s daredevil challenge, but they must be quick as registration closes on 11th June.
She said:
“Since March, I’ve been running or walking five miles a day for 100 days wearing the hospice t-shirt, running vest, green tutu and green leg warmers, in all weather conditions, before and after my night shifts!
“And in July, I’ve decided to brave a skydive at Hibaldstow Airfield too – it will be a scary experience, but hopefully, I’ll be able to make Mark proud!”
Aana has already raised more than £500 to help fund Ashgate’s care for patients and families across North Derbyshire, smashing her initial target of £350.
Anyone who takes on the skydive will receive a t-shirt, support and guidance from the Ashgate and Hibaldstow Skydiving teams, a fundraising pack and more. Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of £350 in sponsorship.
Phoebe Marriott, an Events Assistant at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:
“Thanks so much to Aana for choosing to fundraise for Ashgate this year in memory of Mark.
“It’s thanks to people like her that we’re able to continue caring for the patients and their families who need us.
“You can join Aana at Hibaldstow Airfield this July and jump out of a plane at 15,000ft – whether you are an adrenaline junkie, needing to tick off your bucket list or just wanting to support your local hospice, this is the perfect opportunity.
“If this is the challenge for you, head over to our website to find out more, but you better be quick; registrations for the skydive close on 11th June. We hope to see you there!”
To find out more, please visit: www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/skydive or email events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.
To support Aana, please visit her JustGiving page.
