On 30th April 2021, my very much loved grandad passed away after a short battle with cancer. On 30th April 2022, to mark the first anniversary, I’ll be jumping out of a plane, just like any other sane person would do.

For the nurses who told us they’d been playing your music and singing with you getting you ready on a morning 

Who, when you were taken off medication and could not longer eat, somehow conjured an unimaginable amount of ice lollies, but only in flavours you wanted

Who held your hand and talked to you and sang to you even when we didn’t know if you could hear 

Who helped us to make your room as homely as possible

Whose daily visits, even through the hardest days of our lives, lit up the room and brought some brightness 

Who gave us matching hearts, a set to take with you and a set for us to have one each, to always keep you close 

Who explained so gently to us what was going to happen and how, and somehow made us feel like we were ready 

Who sent Nanna cards with specific memories of you, what you’d said and your wicked sense of humour 

Who allow us to call for a chat, even now

Who work so hard, have hearts of gold, and who you adored. You were the biggest proponent of the NHS and Macmillan nurses through both of your diagnoses. 

I’m not quite sure you would approve of me jumping out of a plane, but I know you would be thrilled that I’m raising money for who you referred to as “angels”.