Fundraising diary – Skydiving for Sick Kids

A generous group of fundraisers raised a staggering £10,000 for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF) by launching themselves from a plane thousands of metres above the ground.

A total of 29 people signed up for the tandem skydive at Fife Airfield, near Glenrothes. Physical education student Ryan Ramsay, 19, was one of the brave crowd who courageously jumped for the charity.

He said: “Not only did I help raise this fantastic sum for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, but I had the best experience of my life. It was exhilarating, fun and the people at the skydive centre are amazing.  I got involved when my friend went into hospital for an operation. The charity offered priceless support and I wanted to help by giving something back.  I didn’t find the experience scary, I felt safe with the people around me and I was attached to someone so it wasn’t a problem for me – I loved every second of it.”

Funds raised will help the Sick Kids Friends Foundation go that extra mile to providing extra medical equipment, improving services and supporting the friends and family of sick children receiving treatment at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
Rachel McKenzie, community fundraising manager at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “We are grateful to  each person who generously took part in this exhilirating fundraising stunt. Not only did they raise a fantastic sum of money for the charity, but in many cases, they overcame a fear and really went above and beyond to secure this much needed donation. We are truly grateful for each donation we receive, no matter how big or small. However, this fundraiser was extra special- I am thrilled with the success of the event and I’m looking forward to the next one we are currently organising in September.”

The Sick Friends Foundation is currently recruiting people to take part in the next skydiving event which is organised for 8th and 9th September this year at Fife Airfield, near Glenrothes.

If you would like to sign up to be a Sick Kids Superhero please contact Rachel McKenzie on 0131 668 4949 or email Rachel.mckenzie@luht.scot.nhs.uk or visit www.edinburghsickkids.com