On 30 April we held our first NorthCare Charity tandem skydive at Black Knights Skydiving Centre in Cockerham, Lancashire, to raise funds for the RAPTOR Theatre. Our wonderful NCA colleagues and fundraisers, Michael Hurst, Leanne Hill, Julie Hinchliffe and our very own Jess Pollard, took to the sky and raised just under £2,300 including Gift Aid to help fund the major trauma equipment.
“On behalf of everyone at NorthCare Charity, thank you to everyone who has sponsored our team of fundraisers. It’s thanks to amazing donors like you that we’re able to help fund innovative projects to benefit our patients, their families and our staff. We really do appreciate your support.”
JULIE
Julie Hinchliffe, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Dietitian at Salford, signed up for the challenge after completing an indoor skydive and wanting to go all way. “An amazing experience. I really thought it was going to be canceled due to the weather, but once the weather improved it was all systems go. It was very wet and cold but all worth it - such a buzz! It’s great to be able to watch it back on the video. Enjoy watching!”
Michael
Michael Hurst, Intensive Care Nurse at Salford Royal, jumped at the chance to take part in the challenge. He said: “Volunteering and raising money for charity has always been close to my heart. When I realised I could be part of the NorthCare Charity and raise money for my trust I thought why not!
"I love being part of the NCA and knowing that the money being raised will be for the new RAPTOR theatre. It’s quite an exciting time for the NCA with the new trauma building and the continuous changes and improvements in the trust. Most importantly the new RAPTOR theatre will help many people in the Manchester area. Doing a sponsored skydive has probably been one of the craziest things I’ve done but it has also been such an amazing experience. We were all so nervous on the day but with such an encouraging team anything is possible!”
Jess
Jess Pollard, Community Fundraising Manager at NorthCare, joined our wonderful NCA colleagues and took on the 15,000ft tandem jump as well.
“What an experience! There’s no other feeling like it. Whilst it wasn’t the classic blue skies you see in the adverts, and we had an afternoon waiting for the clouds to clear up (somewhat), it was worth the wait! I can’t believe how calm I felt in the plane as we made our way up to 15,000ft. Once you’re up there, you don’t have time to worry about jumping. As soon as you shuffle along the seat in the plane, you’re then out the door!
"After the minute freefall, we had an incredibly peaceful descent to enjoy the views over Lancashire, before the smoothest landing I could’ve imagined. The staff at Black Knights did an incredible job of making us feel safe as we took on this epic challenge and raised funds for the RAPTOR Theatre.”
How you can support us
There’s still time to sponsor our team by donating online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/northcareskydive - they’d really appreciate your support.
Inspired to take on your own challenge? Take a look at our challenge events page and get in touch with the charity team today – we’d love you to get involved and join #TeamNorthCare!