David and I were together for more than 53 years, and married for almost 50. In all that time there were many happy, quiet companionable days enjoying the passing of everyday life. We filled our lives with many things, most of which we'd do together although David's car building, projects in ours and Alex's and Mathew's houses were essentially his with me supplying never-ending cups of tea.

But there were also countless adventures we were lucky enough to share. It makes me smile to remember the white knuckle ride in a jet boat along the Shotover River in New Zealand; travelling up a mountain in Northern Sweden at night in an open ski lift with the Northern Lights dancing around us; the very close encounter with a humpback whale off the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada; a hot air balloon ride at dawn towards the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa and then, two years ago, snorkeling in the waters around the Galapagos Islands. So many happy times together making lasting memories.

Remembering this adventuring was the inspiration for what we've decided to do later this month.

On 31 August, me, our son Mathew and granddaughter Milly have decided to jump out of a plane, in David's memory

This is possibly going to be my most terrifying adventure yet, but doing it with Mathew and Milly - in David's name - will make it a really special one too.

We'll fly up to 7500 feet and then, one by one, (attached to an experienced skydiver!) we'll jump from the plane, free falling for about 10 seconds at speeds up to 120 miles an hour before the parachute is deployed and we drift gently to land.

We are doing this to raise money for Moya Cole Hospice (formerly St Annes). David and I have been long term supporters of the hospice. We never once imagined that we would one day come to call on their help and support but were so grateful that they were there when we needed them. Mathew, Jayne, Milly, Alex, Ellie, Orla and I saw this adventure as a way to recognise and perhaps repay a little of the kindness and care Moya Cole staff provided in David's last months.

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About Moya Cole

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