TOM GLAD TO BE BACK ON SOLID GROUND AFTER 'PLANE CRAZY' PARACHUTE JUMP FOR LITTLE HULTON HOSPICE

Amazing success from 76-year-old who jumped out of a plane in memory of his partner, who was cared for by St Ann’s Hospice.

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“I really enjoyed it, it was incredible – but I’m so glad to be back on solid ground!”

Tom Lowery jumped 11,000 feet from a plane yesterday in memory of his partner to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice.

Joan Lyons, Tom’s partner of 24 years, was a patient at St Ann’s Hospice in Little Hulton and was cared for there until she died in March last year.

Joan had been ill for three months with a brain tumour.

Tom, said: 

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“Joan received excellent care from St Ann’s Hospice despite being in the throes of the latter months of the pandemic.”

Tom, a retired HGV driver and Royal Signals veteran – who himself is going through health issues following his own cancer diagnosis – is 76 years old, but was more than ready for his parachute jump in aid of St Ann’s.

Speaking before the jump, Tom said:

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“I think I’m looking forward to it, not long to go now! Thank you very much to everyone who has donated to St Ann’s Hospice, I hope they get lots of money to support them.”

Tom, who had to get the all clear from his doctor for the jump following his diagnosis, said: “I have prostate cancer so the drugs that I’m on have made me too weak to take on a 24-hour walk or a marathon. This is the next best thing I can do; I’ve never done a parachute jump before so I’m very excited.”

 

Tom had lots of his family and friends supporting him yesterday at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Cockerham, Lancashire.

After jumping 11,000 feet through the air, Tom said:

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“I loved it, but if I do anything else for charity it’ll be marathons, not another jump!”

He has already surpassed his target of raising £500 and has currently raised over £1000.

 Tom, continued:

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"We all want to raise as much money as possible for such a great cause that supported Joan. Her last days were spent peacefully at the hospice and their incredible staff provided our family with kindness, support and a much-needed sense of peace at the end of her life." 

Anne-Marie Wynne, Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign, says:

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“We are so delighted that Tom completed his amazing challenge to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice – he’s braver than all of us!

“Every single donation makes a difference and helps us to continue providing the vital care and support to all those who visit our hospice.”

 

To donate to Tom for his parachute jump, his JustGiving page can be found here.

Photo ©: Black Knights Parachute Centre