Two daring local fundraisers are set to take to the skies alongside Telford MP Shaun Davies as they take on a 10,000ft charity skydive this summer in support of the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal.
Kayleigh Parsons and Helen Walker will leap from a plane with Shaun to help raise even more vital funds for the new Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford, supporting improved cancer care for patients across the region.
Kayleigh and Helen signed up after Telford MP Shaun Davies put out a call for local people to join him in raising even more money for the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal.
Shaun set himself the challenge as part of his 40th birthday celebrations, combining a personal milestone with his commitment to supporting local cancer services. So far, he has raised more than £3,000 through the skydive appeal, in addition to £14,000 raised through a local business World Cup sweepstake.
Kayleigh said: “Anyone who knows me knows I usually jump headfirst into crazy ideas – but even this one is testing my limits! A year ago, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to even consider a skydive. Now I’m doing it to raise money for a fantastic cause, prove to myself what I’m capable of, and hopefully inspire a few other people to step outside their comfort zone too.”
Helen added: “The work Lingen Davies does is truly inspiring, and the Sunflower Appeal is a fantastic example of their commitment to improving cancer care for the local people. The vision of creating a new cancer centre in Telford and helping more patients access treatment closer to home motivated me to get involved. I’m proud to take part in this fundraising skydive and support a cause that will make a lasting difference across our community.”
The Sunflower Appeal is a £5 million campaign to establish the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at PRH. As Telford’s first dedicated cancer centre, it will double the capacity for chemotherapy treatment across the region and significantly reduce the need for patients to travel to Shrewsbury for essential care.
Shaun added: “A huge thank you to Helen and Kayleigh for stepping up to take on this challenge with me. The more people who join us, the more money we can raise for an incredible cause. The timing is perfect too, as every pound raised right now is being matched by Telford & Wrekin Council, meaning donations will go twice as far.”
“Telford is my home, and no one should have to travel long distances for cancer treatment after already facing the challenges that come with a diagnosis. This new centre will bring life-changing care closer to home for thousands of local people. Lingen Davies supported my own nan, Betty, and I know first-hand the difference the charity makes. That’s why I’m proud to support the appeal and help raise funds for this vital new facility.”
The 10,000ft skydive will take place in Shropshire later this summer.
Anyone wishing to support Shaun’s efforts can donate via: www.justgiving.com/page/telfordmpskydive
There are also a handful of places still available on the skydive. Anyone interested in joining the challenge and helping raise funds for Lingen Davies Cancer Support can contact shaun.davies.mp@parliament.uk for more information.
From 1 April, every pound donated to the Sunflower Appeal is being matched by Telford & Wrekin Council until the full £250,000 match-funding pot is unlocked, giving supporters the opportunity to double the impact of their donation.
