Teenager skydives to raise money for Aylesford Unit at Warwick Hospital

A 16-year old has taken it upon herself to do a tandem skydive to raise money for the Aylesford Cancer Unit at Warwick Hospital.

Jess Craddock from Nottingham, who is currently studying at the West Bridgford Sixth Form, completed the skydive on 18th July 2016 at Skydive Langar to raise money for the Aylesford Unit at Warwick Hospital.

Jess decided to fundraise for the Aylesford Unit following the tremendous care and support they provided for her cousin Sheena Macleod from February-July of this year. She raised the money through sponsorship and hosting a cake sale at her local sports club.

Jess said: “I am really grateful for the support and generous sponsorship I received. Social media really helped me spread the word about what I was doing and so many people that know Sheena were really supportive. Surprisingly on the day I didn’t feel nervous or scared!”

Following the accent in the small aircraft, Jess who was strapped to an instructor, bravely jumped out at 13,500 feet altitude.

A 45 second free-fall followed their exit from the aircraft, at which point they reached speeds of over 120 mph. The instructor only opened the main parachute once the pair was 5000 feet from ground. The descent under the parachute took several minutes, during which time Jess was allowed to steer it down to the landing area where the pair finally had their feet back on terra firma.

Jess’s cousin, Sheena Macleod, was overwhelmed by the strength of the support from the skydive and tremendously proud of the 16-year olds fundraising efforts for the Aylesford Unit which is extremely close to their hearts.

Sheena said: "To me the unit is excellent, with dedicated staff helping us with our fears and getting me through Chemotherapy - we are so lucky to have the Aylesford Unit".

The Aylesford unit at Warwick Hospital will be working alongside the new cancer facility , the Rigby Unit, which will be opening at Stratford Hospital in Spring 2017.

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