A DAREDEVIL Droitwich student celebrated his 18th birthday by undertaking a skydive in memory of his late grandfather to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
Toby McDowell, who attends Droitwich Spa High School sixth-form, plunged 13,000ft to raise more than £2,200 for the charity.
The hospice cared for Peter Thomas, who sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 74.
Toby said: “My granddad, or ‘Damps’ as we called him, was cared for at the end of his life by St Richard’s Hospice.
“Words cannot describe the love and care they provided for the whole family.
“You only have to walk into the building to know it’s a very unique and special place.
“Their work is invaluable – they really did give Damps quality of life and dignity in death and they are always there with support for the rest of the family for as long as we need them – it is not time-limited in any way.”
He said, as well as using the jump to celebrate his marvellous milestone, it was fitting the skydive was done in October, the month of Damps’ birthday.
“My whole family is keen to support the hospice to show our appreciation for the care we received and to help ensure that they can continue to be there for other families who will no doubt need them.” added Toby.
There is still time for people who want to boost Toby’s coffers further – they can visit www.justgiving.com/Toby-McDowell – his fund-raising page.
For more on St Richard’s Hospice, which supports 2,500 patients and family members across Worcestershire each year, visit www.strichards.org.uk