Clayton Tindle has raised £1,000 by doing a skydive for Bluebell Wood families.

Clayton, who lives in Worksop and works at Wilko, jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet in memory of his sister Carrie’s daughter Lekisha, who was one of the first children to be cared for by Bluebell Wood before she passed away in 2010 at the age of ten.

Clayton said: “The skydive was a ride of emotions. Nothing prepares you for that first look out of the plane, but once you’re out the experience is amazing. You don’t have time to think. You just take in the amazing views and the feeling of being weightless and falling. Once you land, there’s a huge sense of relief, sheer pride and happiness that you have done it. I’m so proud to have done this in memory of my niece and for all the families and children that Bluebell Wood support.

“I’d tell anyone else that they will never regret doing it. It’s amazing being able to conquer something like this. The feeling of reaching £1,000 in sponsorship is great, and I have many people to thank, including Lee Marsden, branch secretary for the GMB union at Wilko, which paid my deposit for the skydive, and three local councillors, Josie Potts, John Sheppard and my dad Clayton Tindle, who donated £250 between them.

“Before Bluebell Wood opened its doors, Lekisha and the family had to travel further for respite care, but once Bluebell Wood arrived, things were much easier. The support from the team was outstanding, and we really valued being able to spend time with Lekisha in the end of life suite after she passed away.”

Rachel Hodges, Senior Events Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood, said: “We’re really proud of Clayton and all our skydivers who are prepared to face down their nerves to help Bluebell Wood families.  This amazing amount will make a huge difference, giving our children and families the chance to take part in music therapy, sibling groups and arts and crafts and be supported through counselling and end of life treatment and care.”