Our Jump for Hope 2023 took place at eight airfields across the UK this month with 47 supporters braving tandem skydives from 10,000ft. Together they raised more than £58,000.
Jumping out of a plane above Salisbury Plain, along with 10 other charity supporters, was Pat Cook who took on the challenge in memory of Mark Calaz, the inspiration for our Fundraising Group M & M Adventures. Poignantly, Mark (pictured right with wife Mandy) lived right beside Salisbury Plain and loved taking a hike there every evening after work.
Pat and Mark had been friends for around 15 years before Mark died from a glioblastoma in July 2021, less than 20 months after his diagnosis. They had met through their work for the Army Cadet Force – Mark organised adventurous expeditions for the ACF’s annual summer camps and was responsible for the Wiltshire cadets working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Now Pat is helping raise awareness and funds in Mark’s memory and wore a charity t-shirt with Mark’s image on the front for his jump. Mandy gave Pat a small container of Mark’s ashes she normally carries in her handbag or hiking bag to put in his pocket when he jumped, so ‘technically Mark also did the skydive!’
Having previously raised almost £900 taking part in Cycle 274 Miles in August, Pat’s fundraising through the skydive is now £300 over his £500 target, with the Salisbury Plain event collectively raising more than £12,500.
Details of Jump for Hope 2024 will be announced shortly. In the meantime you can register interest or find out more by dropping an email to deborah.gascoyne@braintumourresearch.org
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