Fundraisers are out of this world! (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Fundraisers are out of this world!

8:00am Sunday 15th July 2012 in News

A TEAM of 12 brave fundraisers, some scared of heights, took to the skies for a fundraising skydive.

The daring supporters of St Francis Hospice took part in the adrenaline-fuelled tandem skydive and hope to have raised £8,000.

Among the supporters was Louise Eames, from Brentwood, who has a brain tumour and attends the day hospice at St Francis Hospice in Romford.

The mother-of-two, who hopes to have raised £1,000 for the hospice, said: “It was an amazing experience – out of this world and fabulous.”

Louise was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 after experiencing dizzy spells and being sent for an MRI scan.

She was told it was inoperable as a main artery runs through it so has been referred to St Francis Hospice for care and support.

She said: “Without the hospice’s special love and care I don’t think I would be here now. My journey has been a challenge, but I am living life to the full and the counsellors, nurses and doctors at the hospice have helped me accept and cope with my illness.”

Also joining in the experience from 12,000 feet, at 120mph, was mother-of-three Julie Kelly, from Hutton, who is scared of heights.

She said: “It was a fantastic experience and I can’t believe I’ve done it.

“I decided to support the hospice because relatives have been cared for there and the support it offers is wonderful.”

Heather Cameron, from Brentwood, who works in the fundraising team at the hospice, said: “It was an amazing experience and I’d do another.

“Through my work at the hospice I know how important the care and support the nurses, doctors and everyone at the charity is to patients and their families during a difficult time in their lives so I was pleased to do my bit to raise funds.”

To find out more about the charity, visit www.sfh.org.uk