After 14 gruelling years fighting hereditary heart disease & with the endless support of my family, my Dad finally lost his battle and passed away in April 2013. 

You can imagine the impact on us as a family but for those who knew my Dad will appreciate his continued appreciation towards the medical profession, particularly the Coronary Care Unit (Ward 22) at Bradford Royal Infirmary. During his frequent (and sometimes prolonged) visits to hospital, my Dad didn’t look on those taking care of him purely as professionals but more as ‘friends’ who were helping him fight the disease.

On numerous occasions the prognosis was not positive but despite this, he would respond with a positive attitude whilst thanking the staff for their clear and truthful explanations.

Dad was a resilient and proud man and he fought his illness with fortitude and dignity - those of you who knew him will certainly recognise these traits. The medical teams involved in his treatment gave him exemplary care. Despite his illness, in January 2001 Dad was immensely proud to be one of the first patients outside a teaching hospital in the region to be  fitted with an 'intelligent' pacemaker which could sense when the heart stops and bring it back to life. In future years this proved to be successful on more than one occasion but in one particular instance Dad would laugh when describing how the device kicked in whilst he was telephoning the emergency services, resulting in the hand set being propelled across the room!

The British Heart Foundation are the UK’s number one heart charity and through 50 years of funding cutting edge research have already made a big difference to people’s lives. More people survive a heart attack or cardiac arrest than ever before, and that means more people are now living with heart disease and need your help - I personally would like to give something back in support of this worthy cause. 

Inevitably there is a bit of pain in having to call upon the good nature of all my family, friends & work colleagues and appeal to your good nature to ask that you give me your support in whatever way you can - however small or large, it all counts.

Weather permitting, the jump will take place 16th April at Hibaldstow Airfield, Redbourne Road, Hibaldstow, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 9NN