Pensioner to skydive for charity that helped wife

Ken Lynch, 77, from Sandy, is to take part in a sponsored skydive on Sunday, October 26 in aid of Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

He will take part in the tandem jump from 10,000 feet at March in Cambridgeshire, the home of the North London Skydiving Centre, with money also going to the armed forces charity, SSAFA.

He is also looking for others to join him and 12 places are booked. There is a £50 deposit required and if you are interested you should contact Mr Lynch no later than Sunday evening on 01767 681739.

Mr Lynch, a former councillor, is raising money for Cavell Nurses’ Trust after the charity helped his late wife Audrey, who passed away last December at the age of 84.

Mr Lynch said: “The charity was very kind to Audrey who happened to have been a nurse for 44 years.

“She did her nursing at St Stephens in London and then she was at Finchley Memorial, also in London, and worked as a night sister at a hospital in Bedfordshire before she retired at 60.

“Cavell Nurses’ Trust donated a lovely television to Audrey when she was in a home, but after she passed away I got permission for it to be given to another medical charity.”

The charity supports working and retired nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who need financial help and support following illness, injury and other difficulties.

The Trust also helped the couple, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year, with a respite break and general living expenses.

Mr Lynch is no stranger to jumping out of airplanes having already completed seven previous skydives for various charities.

He added: “I started skydiving about three years ago and found it easy. I don’t walk that far these days but there is no effort jumping out of a plane.

“I have done all my previous jumps for wonderful causes but with Audrey being a nurse it was very appropriate to do one for Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

“I am very pleased to be able to do it for them, especially as they also gave us help.”

To sponsor Mr Lynch visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KenLynchSkydive