ST Mary’s Hospice Charity Skydive 2023 took place on Friday, with 20 daredevils jumping out of a plane from a terrifying height.

After terrible weather and the original meet day being cancelled, the tandem skydive was rearranged for Friday, September 1.

Everyone met at Cark Airfield, near Flookbrough, where they received a briefing before kitting up and heading to the plane.

After soaring into the sky, they launched themselves from 14,000ft in the air and free fell through the clouds before their instructor opened the parachute.

With her family crowded around in support, Bridget Chaplin prepared for her skydive. The 81-year-old has been a huge supporter of the charity since they took care of her husband David through his final days of life.

Nearly 20 years later, Bridget has raised over £7,500 for the hospice. “I said I’d do a skydive for the hospice when I reached 90 — but I decided to do it now, in case I never reach my 90th year,” she said. 

Bridget said the jump was a 'tremendous experience,' and she is grateful to everyone who donated.

Dr Sylvia Wood from Kirkby-in-Furness was the oldest St Mary’s supporter taking part in the jump. The 88-year-old signed up to take part and raise some money for the Hospice.

“I'm looking forward to it,” she said before the jump. “I have stage four breast cancer, and decided to do the skydive while raising some money for charity, instead of just my own pleasure.”

The youngest jumper was Luke Johnston, who turned 16 a week before his skydive. Luke braved the drop with his grandad, Brian Johnston, in mind. Brian was cared for by the Hospice and passed away nine years ago.

Luke raised around £1,500. “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who supported me with their donations," he said.

Events manager, Mel Dixon said: “St Mary's is an incredible place with such a passionate and dedicated clinical team, providing love and support to not only patients in our care but to their family and friends too.

"But none of this would be possible without amazing people like our team of extremely brave sky divers. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to share all the smiles, nerves, and laughter with them.

"We cannot wait to announce the final total raised but it's safe to say they have by far exceeded all expectations.”