Terry Cook, from Stratton, had hoped to take part in a skydive after being diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer, but was unable to jump after failing to receive medical clearance.
His wife, Katie Pike, decided to take his place and joined three others for the fundraising challenge, named One Last Jump. The group raised £5,320 for Prospect Hospice, which has been supporting Terry and his family throughout his cancer journey.
Katie, who works as a manager at Just For Fun Holiday Club, was joined by the club’s co-founder Sean Harper, Sam Cottle and Toni Richards.
The four completed their jumps at Hinton Skydiving Centre in Brackley late last month, having previously been forced to postpone the challenge twice due to poor weather.
The skydive eventually took place at sunset on Katie’s birthday, making the occasion particularly special for those involved.
Katie said:
“As time went on and Terry became less mobile, it became clear that I would be the one jumping.
“I felt fine about the jump in the lead-up to it because by that point I just wanted to get up there and do it.
“When it came to the actual day and it was time to jump, the nerves definitely kicked in and suddenly it felt very real. But knowing I was doing something so important for charity gave me the push I needed.”
Despite initially feeling nervous, Katie said the experience was unforgettable, particularly with family and friends there to support her.
She said:
“The jump was completely out of this world and something I honestly won’t ever forget.
“It was an amazing day and an incredible experience, made even more special by being surrounded by our family and friends. Jumping at sunset on my birthday definitely made the whole experience even more memorable.”
Sean, who also had his family watching, said the challenge had been an opportunity to support Terry while raising money for a charity close to his heart.
He said:
“It was an unforgettable experience, and jumping at sunset made it even more special.
“The views were incredible and the adrenaline was unreal. My family were there supporting me too, which meant a lot.
“My son had decided I was going to be Superman before I went, so hopefully I lived up to expectations.
“But the biggest thing was why we were doing it. We wanted to help Terry reach his target for Prospect Hospice, so to see that £5,000 figure reached is brilliant.”
Prospect Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care and support for patients and their families across Swindon, Marlborough, north Wiltshire, Lechlade and Fairford.
Katie praised the charity’s staff and volunteers for helping her family through Terry’s illness.
She said:
“Prospect Hospice have been truly amazing to us. The care, knowledge and empathy shown by every employee and volunteer has been incredible.”
Although the group has surpassed its original £5,000 target, the fundraising page remains open for further donations.
Sean added:
“Thank you to everyone who donated, shared the fundraiser, came along on the day or supported us in any way.
“Hitting £5,000 is amazing, but the page is still open and if we can go beyond that and raise even more for Prospect Hospice, that would be fantastic.”
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/one-last-jump.
