Supporters fundraising stories

Jess’s intrepid skydive jump

Jess, one of our wonderful Occupational Therapists, recently took part in a skydive, raising over £2,800 to support Katharine House Hospice.

Name: Jess, Occupational Therapist, Katharine House Hospice
Event: Skydive
Venues: Hinton Airfield, Brackley
Amount raised: £2,823

“Doing a skydive had been on my bucket list for years,” Jess said. “But after having several surgeries over the last couple of years and living with a stoma, there were times when it felt out of reach. Being able to do it now felt incredibly special.”

Jess has worked in the Palliative Care Team at Katharine House Hospice for nearly two years, supporting people both in the hospice and in their own homes.

“I feel very lucky to work at Katharine House. We focus on what matters most to each person, and it is a privilege to be part of that care. So much of what we do is funded by the community and taking on the skydive felt like a good way to give something back.” Jess

Jess completed her jump on 28 September at Hinton-in-the-Hedges after her first attempt was postponed due to the weather.

“The buildup was nerve wracking but exciting. There were a few of us doing the Katharine House Hospice skydive on the same day, which really helped. We supported each other all the way through. My family were there too and having them cheering me on made the day even more special.”

Two people tandem skydiving for Katharine House Hospice above clouds on a clear, sunny day.

A moment that stayed with Jess came from a patient she had supported on the ward, a former pilot and keen coin collector.

“When I told him I had jumped out of a plane to raise money for the hospice, he was so interested,” Jess said. “He later sent me a letter and a special coin from his collection. It meant the world to me and I will treasure it.”

With the support of family, friends and colleagues, Jess raised an amazing £2,823, which could pay for five day’s compassionate care for a patient on our specialist Inpatient Unit.

Looking back on the experience, she said: “If you are thinking about doing something like this, go for it. You never know what you are capable of until you try.”

If you have been inspired by Jess, register your interest for our next skydive on 5 September 2026.