A daring group of festive fundraisers soared to dizzying heights for a Santa skydive – raising thousands of pounds for hospice care.
The Santa Skydive took place in December at Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield in Northamptonshire and was in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.
Among the eight Santas braving the 10,000ft jump was 84-year-old Val Baylis from Claines, near Worcester – who was pleased to complete her second skydive for the hospice since turning 80.
While Mrs Baylis was the oldest skydiver on the day, the youngest was aged just 17.
Mrs Baylis said: “I decided to do the skydive partly for the enjoyment of it, but mainly because it is a way of drawing attention to St Richard’s Hospice.”
Val Baylis takes on the Santa Skydive
The great-grandmother has raised around £3,500 for St Richard’s care to patients living with life-limiting illnesses, their families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.
Taking on the skydive alongside Mrs Baylis were jumpers including: Karl Worthington, Maxine Clarke, Tom Chadney, Nicola Sidney, Mike Palmer and Steve Borwell-Fox – and the group collectively raised more than £8,000.
Alison Parkes, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “We are so proud of all our Santas – they did amazingly well on the day and raised a fantastic amount to support our free hospice care.
“We are getting ready for our next skydive – which will take place on Saturday, 23rd June 2018 at Hinton Airfield in Northamptonshire. Why not sign-up for the challenge?”
For more information about the Summer Solstice Skydive, please visit www.strichards.org.uk/event/summer-solstice-skydive/ or call our Fundraising Team on 01905 763963, or email