Donna diving in to help raise funds to thank hospital’s staff

The stepmum of Sunderlandborn Liverpool and England star Jordan Henderson leapt from a plane in 15,000ft parachute jump the in daredevil feat to help the family’s fundraising efforts.

The footballer’s family have launched an appeal to help repay the NHS team which saved the life of his dad, Brian, after a cancer diagnosis, and aim to raise £85,000 to buy a lifesaving piece of equipment.

As part of the drive, his wife Donna took part in a skydive at Shotton Airfield in County Durham at the weekend.

Donna said: “What an amazing experience, sky diving at 15,000ft.

“The weather was a little blustery, but I eventually jumped at 9am and had the best experience of my life.

“It was the ultimate adrenaline experience and left me buzzing long after it was over.

“I just wanted to go straight back up for another jump.

“The professionalism of the Sky-High diving team was superb.”

Funds raised through the event have been donated to the family’s JustGiving page, set up to buy a high-end endoscopy called a ‘Spectar EndoFlex System’, which uses a small probe placed through

the nose to record footage during assessments.

It follows Brian’s own treatment for throat, tongue and lymph gland cancer in 2014 at Sunderland Royal Hospital, which is run by South Tyneside and Sunderland

NHS Foundation Trust.

The Hendersons have said they want to buy the kit to repay the team who helped treat Brian and continue to ensure he undergoes regular checkups, with more than £26,500 raised so far. In January,

Sunderland-born Liverpool FC and England midfield star Jordan was made the NHS Charities Together Champion and acts as an ambassador as it helps to raise cash for more than 240 NHS funds which support staff, volunteers and

patients.

Brian said: “I have never been as nervous in my life.

“Once Donna got in the plane and took off, my stomach was churning with the anticipation of her jumping out, then when I could see

her parachute appear from the clouds after 10 minutes of flight, I was relieved and delighted she had done it. “A true hero, amazing." The JustGiving page is at/ www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brian-henderson

Donna is stepmum of Sunderland-born Liverpool and England star Jordan Henderson.

Donna Henderson takes part in a charity skydive for Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Donna Henderson preparing fro the skydive.

Donna jumping out at 15,000 feet.

Brian and Jordan Henderson.

All smiles after the landing.