I’ll be taking part in a Tandem Skydive on 31st May 2026 to raise vital funds for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. The Hospice provides dedicated care and support to local adults and children living with life‑limiting conditions. Your support would truly make a difference- any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw rely on the help and support provided by you, the local community we serve, to offer the highest quality care to those with life-limiting conditions. The local NHS trust provides around 25% of our running costs, while the remaining 75% comes from the generosity and efforts of our supporters in the local area and beyond through fundraising.

Philip’s Story

Our dad never needed grand speeches to show his love. He carried it quietly, in the ways he carried everything – steady and constant. He was the kind of man who made you feel safe when he was in the room, and made his warm presence known.

He cared in the small ways that mattered the most. He remembered everyone’s favourite meal and the things that made you laugh. His kindness moved quietly, reaching people who still mention him with a smile when they think of the memories over the years.

Our dad worked hard. Not for praise, not for recognition, because he didn’t want to do anything different. He always left things better than he found them, whether he was fixing something, building something or helping someone. His laugh melted your sorrows away, and his hug fixed all your problems.

This story isn’t just about our Dad. It’s a reminder of the everyday heroes amongst us – the loving, caring, hardworking people who shape our lives. This is a reminder of the support that was provided to our family from the hospice when we didn’t even recognise, that we needed it too.

It’s the being available all hours of the night, to answer questions or reassure our minds for the end-of-life journey that was waiting for our dad.

It was the providing home comforts, food and drinks so that we were looked after as much as our dad. The small details such as music, a comfy quilt and soft pillow.

It was the patience and kindness shown to us, even though all the staff work extremely hard, but still somehow having the time for us, no matter how small.That kind hand on your shoulder when your world has fell apart.

It was the dignity and respect shown to our dad, as he deserved, right until the very end. They made us feel like our dad mattered to them as much as he mattered to us. It was allowing us to be by our dad’s side, until he took his last breath.

And most importantly, it was treating our dad like a human being, ensuring he was pain free, not judging his past or present, but simply getting to know him for who he was.

Even though our dads stroke caused him to lose the ability to walk, talk or move, the nurses and staff didn’t take this as a reason to not speak and have conversations with him, even a giggle or two. This meant more to our family than they will ever know and the compassion is unmatched.

The support continues afterwards, being able to have had 10 weeks of bereavement counselling. The whole experience shaped and supported our grief and lightened the load immensely.

When we were younger, we took part in a welly walk, to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice, and our dad was dressed as a cow to represent Wisemans Dairy. He has always supported local charities, and now we know why.

We didn’t quite understand how much of an impact donations had on this charity, and we are honoured to take part in a skydive to raise as much money as possible no matter how big or how small. He would be so proud of this!

We would never be able to repay them for what they have done for our dad, and the support and love that was provided to our family. It was an absolute pleasure to meet anyone who works here and we will never forget them.

By supporting this charity - we honour people like our dad and continue the spirit he lived by; helping others, love and forgiveness, and spreading quiet goodness wherever we can.

This one is for you dad. We love and miss you always.

I hope you cheer us on up there.

Please laugh as much as you wish at Reece with his fear of heights!!

Lets get donating and Thankyou!!

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