Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As some of you know, I have a big birthday this year and I always said that for this occasion I would jump out of a plane and do a tandem skydive. Bonkers I know, and I must admit I thought I might have got away with it ! However, when I heard about the opportunity to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice, by doing a tandem skydive, just days after one of my best friends lost her niece at just 3 days old, I just knew that I had to do it. With her family's permission, I am honoured to be doing it in memory of a very special little girl, Ayla Hope Reading. This is her story:

During pregnancy, Ayla’s family found out that she had an extra chromosome 18; she had Edwards Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects about 1 in 4000 babies. They were told that she shouldn't have got to 32 weeks, but she did, she kicked and moved inside her mummy's tummy as a constant reminder that she was there and battling.

On 1 February 2012, at 40 weeks and 6 days, she came into the world, once again defying the odds and making sure she had a chance to say hello to the people that loved her most in the world, plus a few others; this gave them the happiest time of their lives and some wonderful memories that will see them through the rest of their lives.

After bravely fighting for 70 hours, on 4 February 2012, Ayla decided that she had done what she came to do and it was time to let go of the body that was always destined to fail her and she bravely took her last breath at home in her mummy’s arms with no fear.

Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester was a place of sanctuary, support and love for Ayla and her family.

 

Her story has really touched me and many other people; family and friends are honouring Ayla by raising money and awareness and this is my way of doing what I can to help.  Please donate anything you can, however small, in memory of Ayla and for the great work that Acorns do to help, support and care for life-limited children and their families.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you x

p.s. let’s hope the parachute opens, eh ?!