So I’m doing a sky dive!!

On 22nd of April I’ll be doing a sky dive from 10,000 ft where I’ll be free falling for 30 seconds!!

I’m doing this for a cause very close to my heart - My nephew Bobby was diagnosed with cancer when he was one and he lost his battle in September 2022

Bobby spent a lot of his life on Ward 86 at Manchester Children’s Hospital - which is where I will be donating my collections to.

Recent fundraising events have been able to fund the ward with amazing facilities for the children on the onocology ward such as:

Magic carpet- a device that creates an interactive floor space. The children can play games on it, dance, do school work etc. It can also just play music and create a moving floor scene for them to watch. The children especially love all the games where they can jump on something and make it explode…. It's good for physio too. - Bobby had chance to play with the magic carpet and he absolutely loved it and it broke up his long days in the hospital.

The ward have also been making the unit more child friendly especially the treatment room, they bought jungle themed vinyl wallpaper, sensory and play equipment to distract the children when they are having procedures such as cannulas and NG tubes.

The ward also purchased little gifts/ small prizes for the children to be given after the procedures have been completed.

The ward purchased a large Fish tank as the children love to watch the fish and feed them.

The ward purchased new iPads to allow children to watch movies, have access to Netflix an play games ….

Plans for the future

Ward 86 are planning on using part of their charitable funds to update two of the rooms on the ward. The plan is for one of the rooms to be used as a sensory room for patients with autism, learning difficulties, sensory needs and the second room is to be used as a palliative care room for children receiving end of life treatment. The rooms will decorate in a subtle but effective jungle theme and equipped with sensory equipment, lighting, as well as toys and books for the patients.

The ward are also hoping to purchase a new Juke Box which can be used to entertain children and their families on the ward.

I know jumping out of a plane can’t fix this horrendous disease, but if I can have just a fraction of the bravery Bobby had, I’m hoping I’ll be able to raise awareness and money to bring some joy to the children’s lives.

From a very proud Aunty - For Bobby