Somerset locals’ leap of faith to raise vital funds for lifesaving charity

Somerset locals Ryan and Tara have taken part in an incredible 15,000ft skydive at Skydive Buzz, Dunkeswell Airfield, to raise vital funds to support the Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA) as the charity celebrates 10 years of service.

On 07 October 2023 Ryan and his work colleague Tara at Weston Timbers, joined the TCAA’s ‘Team Mission’ and decided to take part in a 15,000ft skydive to raise vital funds to support the charity’s lifesaving missions for critically ill babies and children across the UK.

Ryan and Tara managed to raise over £1,000 to support the children’s charity which included a large donation from Somerset Freemasons as part of their Gordano Sunday Lunch. Ryan is the youngest member of the Somerset Freemasons, and a raffle was held at Gordano Lodge and managed to raise £200 towards his final total of £1,049 to support the vital charity.

“The skydive challenge was amazing and is definitely something I would do again. I feel proud that we completed this challenge to raise awareness of the Children’s Air Ambulance and the lifesaving missions they undertake,” said Ryan Harman Taylor.

“They receive no government or National Lottery funding so it’s so important for as many of us as possible to support them in any way we can. The funds we managed to raise will keep their helicopter flying and available for more critically ill babies and children,” he added.

The Children’s Air Ambulance is changing the face of paediatric and neonatal care through the high-speed transfer of critically ill babies and children – flying them from one hospital to another for specialist care via the clinically designed helicopters, which provide a flying intensive care unit for babies and children.

The charity works alongside 11 NHS Clinical Partner Teams across the UK, including the Southwest Neonatal Advice and Retrieval (SoNAR) based at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trusts Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital in Southwell Street, with a second hub at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Fiona Franklin, Community Fundraising Executive for the charity said:

“We would like to say a big thank you to Ryan and Tara for taking part in this amazing challenge. The day of the skydive was as perfect as you can get and incredibly both sides of the Devon coast could be seen.

“We receive no government funding, so we rely entirely on donations like this to keep our lifesaving service flying. Without the support from clubs and individuals in the community just like this, the high-speed transfers wouldn’t be able to continue.”

The charity is celebrating its 10^th anniversary of providing lifesaving high-speed transfers for critically ill babies and children in 2023 and is encouraging people to visit a charity store and grab a bargain, donate unwanted clothing to one of many clothing banks, get involved in a challenge event, fundraise, or even sign up to volunteer.

To learn more, or to support the charity, please visit: www.childrensairambulance.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.