Brothers celebrate 18th and 21st birthdays by skydiving for the RUH

Melksham brothers, Corey and Haken Blackmore will mark their 18 and 21 birthdays by doing a skydive to raise funds in memory of their grandfather who died last year.

Brian Hartley aged 71, had ill health for many years and when his health deteriorated in March 2017, he was admitted to the RUH where he died last September.

Corey Blackmore said, “My brother and I always wanted to do something exhilarating to celebrate our birthdays. Haken turned 18 in February and I’ll be 21 next week. Our grampy was always so supportive and he looked forward to seeing us do something together to mark our eighteenth and twenty-first.

“We decided we wanted to raise money for the RUH, so when we heard about The Forever Friends Appeal skydive day, we signed up to take part. As grampy was looked after on a number of different wards, the money we raise will be donated to the RUH to spend where it’s needed most.”

The brothers initially set up a Just Giving page with a target of £700, fully expecting to top up the money raised themselves. However, within one week of sharing their fundraising page, they were amazed to see their target reached and boosted to £1,000 – which has been surpassed once again.

Corey said, “We are absolutely amazed at the generosity from our family and friends as donations came flying in. Currently our total is sitting at £1,065 and we just can’t believe how much has been raised in such a short amount of time.

“Our grampy would have been very proud and extremely grateful. The fundraising is to thank the staff at the RUH who cared for him and looked after our family when we stayed by his bedside. If you knew him and would like to say your own thank you to the RUH, we welcome any further donations via our Just Giving page.”

Corey and Haken will take part in The Forever Friends Appeal’s Skydive Day on Sunday 8th July where every jump will support RUH patients. The Army Parachute Association at Netheravon airfield will host the day and participants will jump at 13,000ft and travel at 125mph in just 60 seconds.

Laura Pearce, events and community officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said, “We are hoping to have as many thrill seekers together as possible on the day of skydiving. They’ll be jumping over the beautiful Wiltshire countryside and may catch a glimpse of the White Horse hill figures on the way down.

“Patients and their families face challenges every day, and the RUH staff are always there to support and care for them, so if you would like to show your support and have an experience of a lifetime, then a skydive is for you. Your one minute adrenaline-rush will help transform care for thousands of patients when they need it most.”

There are a limited number of places still available for the Skydive Day. If you would like to find out more or sign up, visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/events/sky-diving