How dad inspired Suzi’s sky dive
AMOTORCYCLE- LOVING mum-of-two has raised more than £1,500 after completing a skydive dressed in full bike leathers.
Suzi Ferdinand completed the brave stunt on Mother’s Day to raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
The fundraising was inspired by Suzi’s dad Steve Hawkshaw, who is currently battling the disease.
Steve himself has helped raise many thousands of pounds over the years through his involvement with the annual Armed Forces Day parade and fun day in Southport. The Royal Navy veteran, who served between 1969 and 1975, has been undergoing radiotherapy at Clatterbridge.
Suzi, who works at the Dovehaven care home in Southport, has seen her dad endure a tough few years, suffer- ing a stroke, the onset of dementia and now cancer.
Ainsdale-resident Suzi was hoping to raise as much money as possible to help other families being treated by Clatterbridge and to help towards the building of a new hopsital in Liverpool.
After months of fundraising, she conquered her nerves to complete the 15,000ft dive at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster last weekend.
Suzi said: “I was petrified but I did it. I was alright once I got there but I was so nervous on the journey.
“The sun was beautiful, my dad was happy. It was a good, family Mother’s Day.
“I’ve raised over £1,500 but I’m going to keep the JustGiving page open for a little while.
“I didn’t know what to expect but I’ve been surprised by the amount of support I’ve had.”
After not attempted such a daredevil challenge before, Suzi is now considering doing more. She is also hoping to raise money to support Dementia UK and is considering ideas including taking on the Europe’s fastest zip line in North Wales later this year.
To sponsor Suzi, visit her fundraising page at: justgiving.com/fundraising/suzanne-ferdinand