SALES administrator Lauren Dony plunged 15,000 feet to raise money for a hospital which saved her niece’s life.
Lauren, 26, from Holmes Chapel, was inspired to do the tandem skydive by two-year-old Dotty, who has undergone numerous operations and cancer treatment after being born prematurely.
Dotty was born in July 2018 to her parents Josh and Beth, and was treated by Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Dotty being treated at Alder Hey Hospital
She spent a total of 147 days in hospital and was on oxygen for almost 400 days. She has undergone 10 major operations, including on her bowel and eyes, as well as chemotherapy after being diagnosed with liver cancer.
Lauren, who works for Bluebell BMW at Crewe, raised more than £1,200 for the hospital after doing the skydive above an airfield near Lancaster.
The first 10,000 feet of the memorable fundraiser were freefall, and took just 60 seconds.
Lauren Dony
“I wanted to do something totally different to raise money for the hospital,” said Lauren.
“I was so excited, and you had no time to be scared - it was amazing. My legs were treading the air initially because I didn’t know what do with them.
“I would love to do it again, and didn’t expect to raise that much - I’m so happy, and would like to thank everyone for their donations.
“Dotty was born almost four months early and weighed just 605 grams. She had all the support you could ask for from several hospitals, and has been so fortunate to be in the care of Alder Hey Hospital.”
Lauren was watched floating to earth by her dad Tim and her boyfriend.
Tim Dony and his team-mates at Oulton Park
Tim said: “Dotty weighed just over a pound when she was born, and was so tiny she would fit in your hand. The care she received at Alder Hey was the best anybody could have had in the world – they saved her life.”
Dotty is Tim’s first grandchild, and he, along with son-in-law Dominic, Dominic’s twin brother Tom and friends Matt and Tar, did the 10k run around Oulton Park in March for Alder Hey.
They raised £700, their inspiration being Dotty, and Tom’s son Fin, who was born with a hole in the heart and was also treated at Alder Hey.
Thumbs up from Lauren during her skydive
“A massive thank you to everybody who has supported us, which has helped us through some really tough times,” said Tim.
Video courtesy of Black Knights Parachute Centre
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