News

A daredevil grandad and granddaughter are to undertake the challenge of a lifetime together – jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet.

Sixteen-year-old Freya Capsey and her 77 year-old grandad Graham Smith are to skydive from Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton on April 20 to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The pair, both adrenaline junkies, decided on the joint challenge after Freya, whose nickname for her grandad is Gadge, joined CHSW’s Young Ambassador Scheme at Haysfield School in Bath.

The pair have already raised £1,225, smashing their original target of £800 and now hope to top £1500.

“A skydive is something that Gadge and I have always wanted to do,” said Freya.

“When I joined as a CHSW Young Ambassador and saw we could do one and raise money for the charity it just seemed like the perfect opportunity.”

While Freya, from Bathford, is studying for her A levels, Graham spends his spare time doing puzzles and crosswords and walking his pet dog.

The pair have always been close with Freya spending lots of time with Gadge and nanny Linda who live in Devizes.

“I have always been close to my grandparents,” said Freya.

“When I was little we used to go out to play parks and had lots of fun days out.

“I used to play the piano and Gadge has always had a real love of music, so we share a bond over that too.

A skydive is something a bit different for us to do together,” said Freya.

"I don’t think either of us are nervous, but we are both really excited about the challenge.

“And luckily neither of us are scared of heights.”

In her spare time Freya loves crafting and is a keen swimmer.

She is also busy with her Young Ambassador work and is currently organising a Barbie themed movie night at school which will raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.

“My friends were quite shocked when they heard I was doing a skydive with my grandad,” she laughed.

“But it will be a thrilling experience for us both and create some amazing memories.”

CHSW Fundraiser for B&NES and West Wiltshire Heidi Roberts said: “Freya is a very proactive and passionate CHSW Young Ambassador and it is wonderful that she has decided to do this skydive in aid of CHSW with her grandad.

“I am sure they are going to create precious memories doing this challenge and the amazing funds they have raised will continue to help CHSW create precious memories for families of children and young people with life limiting or life threatening conditions cared for by CHSW.

“We wish Freya and Gadge the best of luck.”

Children’s Hospice South West has been providing care and support to children with life limiting illnesses and their families in the South West for over 30 years.

The charity offers specialist palliative and hospice care for the whole family, a sibling support for brothers and sisters, emergency support, end of life care and a bereavement service.

To find out more about fundraising for CHSW visit www.chsw.org.uk/getinvolved.

 Anyone who wants to make a donation to Freya’s skydive challenge can do so at https://gofund.me/095253c4