Heart warrior Sophia was born on 10th May 2020 and needed open heart surgery at just 4 days old. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund supported Sophia and her family through this difficult time.
Mark, Sophia’s Grandad, and Justin, Sophia’s Uncle, chose to take part in a sponsored skydive in October to raise vital funds for other heart warriors and their families.
Mark and Justin said:
“Nothing we do can match Sophia being given the gift of life, but we will keep trying to do everything we can to give a little back. That being said…what better way to raise money than throwing ourselves out of plane?!”
Mark continued:
“I wanted to do the skydive to raise money in honour of Sophia, our amazing heart warrior granddaughter.
I enquired and found out I needed to lose 6 stone to be able to go ahead. So, the diet began along with the fundraising! No going back!
We originally had it booked for August, but the great British weather had other ideas. It finally went ahead in October.
I’ve never been happier to eat a huge burger. It was so worth it – the sky dive was a huge buzz! I’ve lost 6 stone and we raised nearly £4,000 for the charity that helped our family so much.”
Justin and Mark, all smiles before the big jump!
It’s a family affair! The whole family turned out to cheer Mark and Justin on as they scaled the 15,000ft and braved the skies for CHSF.
“I’ve lost 6 stone and raised nearly £4,000 for the charity that helped our family so much!”
Justin added:
“What an amazing feeling to be able to complete a charity skydive and raise so much money for a fantastic cause. Yes, jumping out of a plane was really scary but no where, near as scary as what Sophia and others have been through.
Our brave little princess Sophia is so strong and brave and I love the fact we have been able to support Children’s Heart Surgery fund to help other families who really need it.“
Events Fundraiser, Eve said:
“Mark and Justin have taken on an amazing challenge to support CHSF, and we cannot thank them enough. Not only did they brave the 15,000ft jump, but they raised above and beyond their fundraising pledge of £345 each.
“To all their friends, family and colleagues and everyone in between that supported Mark and Justin – thank you from all of us here at CHSF!
Oh and Mark, we hope you enjoyed that burger, you certainly earned it!”
Mark and Justin worked incredibly hard to raise an amazing £3,978 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Well done Mark and Justin and thank you so much every one who donated and contributed towards this incredible total!
SKYDIVE FOR CHSF
6th July 2024
Jumping from 15,000ft, you will enjoy one whole adrenaline-fuelled minute of freefall while raising vital funds for CHSF!
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