My name is Joanne, I’m 39 years old, married with 1 child (AKA my husband!) and 2 birds, I’m an Office Manager for an Essex based cleaning company - not really one for taking risks, but here I am, getting ready to skydive for Ronald McDonald House Charities on Saturday 19^th June!

I’ve actually wanted to do a skydive for a while now (not sure why though, as jumping out of a plane does seem kind of crazy!) and was going to jump with my Uncle a few years back, he was fighting Myeloma at the time, but unfortunately we didn’t get the chance before he sadly passed away after a brave 10 year long battle with the awful disease and then I couldn’t pluck up the courage to do it alone.

But now I am doing it, no excuses, I’ve paid the deposit, the date is booked and I’m going to do it!

The charity I have chosen is Ronald McDonald House Charities, I think they are absolutely amazing with what they do.  For those of you who are not aware, they provide free accommodation and support to families with children having treatment in hospital, which helps to alleviate some of their stress by keeping them moments away from their child’s bedside on the ward. 

This charity is particular close to my heart as they helped my friend whose son fell 30ft from an abandoned building, suffering a serious brain injury and ending up in a coma for weeks.  Leon’s Mum, Dad and Sister were able to stay in one of the houses close to the hospital Leon was in so they could be there with him every step of the way and help him with his recovery.

I am happy to say that Leon is doing well with his recovery, he is such a lovely young man with lots of energy and I know that he will only get better as times goes on (I've included a photo of the handsome lad above).

I can’t imagine the stress and worry that Leon’s family went through during this devastating time, but one thing I know for sure is that with Ronald McDonald House Charities support, they were able to forget about the travelling and be close by and spend more time with Leon at a time when he needed it the most. 

I didn’t realise but just £400 will provide a family with 16 nights accommodation so I am aiming high and hope to raise enough to provide one family accommodation for at least a month!

So......I know that times are hard right now but it would be great if you would dig as deep as you can to sponsor me and help me to reach my target to help a family in their time of need.

Thanks so much 😊