Mary’s daring dive for Derian House

Vincents Solicitors continues support for Lancashire children’s hospice

A legal assistant will take on the challenge of a lifetime when she jumps from a plane at 15,000ft to raise money for children in Lancashire.

Vincents Solicitors’ Mary Greenway is taking part in this year’s Dive for Derian and hopes to raise at least £1,000 for the Chorley-based children’s hospice.

Although nervous, Mary is excited about the challenge and has even roped in dad David and brother Callum to throw themselves out of a plane. Joining them will be Mia Lodge, daughter of Lisa Lodge who is head of Vincents’ Garstang office where Mary works.

“I’ve never pushed myself out of my comfort zone quite like this, I’m excited but also really nervous. I’ve done loads of charity events over the years and raised hundreds of pounds with runs and bake sales, but this challenge is on another level,” said Mary.

“I hope it’s crazy enough for people to sponsor me more and donate more to the charity. My family are always really supportive but it came totally out of the blue when my brother and dad said they wanted to make a jump as well. Mum was really shocked but she knows it’s an opportunity of a lifetime and she’s so proud of us.”

Mary was moved to sign up for the event with Derian House after taking part in the annual Colour Run event last summer, for which Vincents was the main sponsor.

“The Colour Run was such a special event as the families and children were really involved on the day,” said Mary.

“We met lots of the staff, who work so hard, and saw for ourselves the amazing work Derian does. They provide the children with so many opportunities to have fun, and support their families, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces despite the challenges they have. That was all the motivation I needed to put my name down,” she added.

The jump itself is on Sunday July 12 at the Black Knights Skydiving Centre at Cockerham. The fundraisers will be strapped to a British Skydiving Expert for the tandem dive which will take around 25 mins from take-off to landing. Jumpers can reach speeds of 150 miles an hour while in freefall.

Lisa Lodge, head of Vincents Private Client department, has led the firm’s support of Derian House, but has happily ducked out of this particular challenge. Instead, she is encouraging friends, family and clients to support the fundraisers.

Lisa said: “I am so proud of Mary and Mia. I’m afraid it was a no from me on this one, but they are absolutely determined to help the charity raise as much as possible. I think anyone who knows what Derian House does, will understand the value of the charity and why it means so much to so many. Hopefully people will dig deep and help the girls achieve their fundraising targets.”

To support Mary donate via this Just Giving page. There are still places available on the Dive for Derian challenge, and there are a range of other less adrenaline-fuelled fundraisers across the year. For more information got to https://www.derianhouse.co.uk

Pictured: Mary Greenway, Vincents Solicitors Private Client Assistant in Garstang, is taking part in Dive for Derian in July