On Saturday 25th April 2009 I intend to undertake a fund raising parachute jump in memory of our great niece, Grace Bradburn, who contracted chickenpox during the week prior to her first birthday on 24 March 2007.

When her chickenpox became severe Grace was admitted into the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. This was on her first birthday. Her condition worsened in the week and she was transferred by emergency ambulance to St Mary's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). With the professional and dedicated care of the medical team and the love and support of her family, Grace fought for life for over three weeks. She finally lost her battle and died at the unit on 24th April 2007.

During Grace's time at St Mary's, it was clear to the medical team that her immune system was not functioning properly.  Research was initiated to find out as much as possible, as quickly as possible, and this led to some innovative treatments for Grace.  However, without her little body being able to repair itself, the support provided by Intensive Care would not be able to save her.

The research has continued since Grace's death.  Grace's parents were very fortunate to have been cared for by Professor Levin and his team at Imperial College, who were able to discover that Grace was missing a large chunk of Chromosome 7, which includes a gene that is an essential component of the viral-detection pathway.  Without this gene, Grace's immune system was unable to fight viruses like chickenpox.

In memory of their beautiful daughter, Grace's parents, Stuart and Natalie (and their young son Ollie - now aged 5) have been fundraising tirelessly for COSMIC, as the unit needs £500,000 each year in order to continue with its invaluable work.

I have never, until now, been able to answer the question "Why should anyone voluntarily jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane?" Having seen Grace fighting desperately for her life in St Mary's hospital, I now know the answer to that question.

I hope that you feel able to support me in my sponsored parachute jump which will enable the work of the St Mary's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit to continue to provide the highest level of care and support to children and their families. 

I have already found a sponsor to cover the cost of the jump, so all donations will go to COSMIC.

Please feel free to come down to Headcorn Aerodrome on 25th April, just to make sure that I keep my side of the bargain or to help me into the ambulance!!

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: COSMIC (Children Of St Mary's Intensive Care) gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Peter May

For further information about Grace, please click on this link - www.justgiving.com/gracebradburn