A brave Burnham-On-Sea charity fundraiser has completed a 16,000ft sponsored parachute jump to raise over £1,200 for the town’s RNLI lifeboat station.
Sarah Hand was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006, which immediately limited her functions and has been increasingly affecting her over the last 17 years.
However, despite daily tasks being a struggle, she never lets her disability consume her and has worked in schools over the years until 2019 when she sadly had to give up work as she no longer had the mobility to fulfil her job to the standards she held herself to.
It was at this point that she was determined to try volunteering and began helping in the RNLI shop in 2019 and has since become very passionate about doing everything she can to raise money.
This included the parachute jump. Sarah she always wanted to do a jump and had fought for years to get the go ahead from her doctors who, this year, finally have the green light.
Sarah says: “I thoroughly enjoy my time working in the shop and love all the people I work with. I have always wanted to do a parachute jump and was given the OK by my doctors so I did it before they could change their minds!”
Sarah completed her jump accompanied by her husband Wayne. She raised an impressive £1,265, which far exceeded the original target of £300.
Sarah says: “I really enjoyed the experience, and if the opportunity presents itself, would love to do it again!”
Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies adds: “That is an amazing amount raised for our lifeboat station. We are indebted to Sarah for her support.”
Pictured: Burnham Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies receiving the donation from Sarah and Wayne; the cheque presentation with fundraisers, crewmembers, Sarah and husband Wayne
