Duo’s Dive for Derian lands £1,200 for children’s charity

Mary and dad David brave 15,000ft jump for Chorley hospice

Daredevils Mary Greenway and her dad David have raised more than £1,200 between them after jumping from a plan at 15,000ft.

The pair took part in this year’s Dive for Derian alongside 28 other fundraisers who, together, have raised £32,860 for Leyland’s Derian House Children’s Hospice. The dive took place at the Black Knights Parachute Centre near Cockerham on Sunday 12 July, with each jumper strapped to a British Sky Diving expert in a tandem dive for safety.

“I cannot believe I did it, but wow I’m glad I did,” said Mary, 23, a legal assistant at Vincents Solicitors in Garstang. “I was really nervous on the plane ride up, but it was absolutely amazing; the views were incredible and it felt like I was flying for ages but it was only about five minutes. I closed my eyes as we left the plane and had to force them open thinking ‘what are you doing, this is once in a lifetime, don’t miss it !’
“Dad was hardly bothered, he said he’d go back up and do it again straight after. I think I would eventually, but not yet. Thanks so much to the team at Black Knights for looking after us so well and making it so much fun, and Derian House for the opportunity.”
While she might park the parachute jumps for a while, Mary has found she has the fundraising bug and is hoping to do more for Derian House. “I’m so grateful for all the donations we’ve had from friends, family, colleagues and clients, it will make such a difference for the Hospice,” said Mary. “I’ve met many of the families of children who are helped by the Hospice and it’s humbling how strong they all are. I really want to carry on do whatever I can, however small, to support them.”

Derian House Children’s Hospice, based in Chorley, Lancashire, supports more than 400 babies, children and young people, along with their families, from across the North West, helping them make the most of every moment. Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6million to run the hospice this year. The charity only receives around 30% of government funding, meaning it relies on kind-hearted supporters – just like Mary and her dad David – to raise 70p in every £1.

Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “Every year we’re blown away by the amazing people who are willing to jump out of a plane for Derian House – it’s not something everyone would sign up for!

“Mary and David were absolute stars for taking on the skydive together. It’s been fantastic to see them not just raising awareness for the hospice, but also raising such a brilliant amount to support local children and families. Every pound they’ve raised will help us continue providing vital care, comfort and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. We think they’re incredibly brave!”

Lisa Lodge, Mary’s manager at Vincents in Garstang, also turned out in support on the day. She added: “We’re so so proud of Mary and David and the amount they have raised for Derian House. It was pretty tense watching her freefall from the plane but just incredible to see her land with that huge smile on her face, what an experience.”

Mary’s Just Giving page is still active and donations are still being taken. For more information about Derian House go to https://www.derianhouse.co.uk

Pictured: Mary Greenway from Vincents Solicitors in Garstang, flying through the air.