Skydive from 15,000 feet Mission: IsPossible 

Published: 13 September 2024

Staff at Compass House Surgery in Brixham and Torbay Hospital’s breast cancer unit are on a mission to raise £10,000 for their patients when their year of fundraising ends with a group skydive this Sunday, 15 September.

The team began fundraising last August and has so far raised an incredible £9,198 with activities including cycling from Land’s End to Jonn O’ Groats; a static cycle ride, a raffle and cake sale. They now hope that the daredevil efforts of its 10 sky divers will help tip them over their £10,000 target when they jump from a plane at 15,000 at Dunkeswell airport

Senior practice pharmacist John John (known as JJ) took on this challenge as a way of saying thank you for the care provided to patients by the breast care unit team, and to help pay for improvements which cannot be funded through the NHS.

JJ is asking the community to get behind him and his and colleague Jamie Roberts’ challenge. He said: “Please support our fundraising appeal by donating or by helping to spread the word far and wide, and help us to achieve something truly special for local patients.”

Last year, Torbay Hospital’s busy breast care unit saw 4363 new patients and accommodated 7307 follow-up appointments. There are plans to redevelop the unit as part of a wider hospital development programme, and the funds raised will enhance the environment for patients and their families at a time when they need the most empathy and care.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s clinical lead for breast surgery, Donna Egbeare said: “JJ and Jamie are aiming high with an ambitious fundraising target, and we are grateful for all their hard work and support.

“Our plans for the breast care unit are part of the hospital’s wider redevelopment programme to ensure a better experience for all our patients who make their way through the breast care unit each year.  We look forward to working with JJ, Jamie and our patients to improve the environment for everyone in the unit.”

To support JJ and Jamie and to find our more visit Compass House Surgery’s JustGiving page.