Parents’ skydive tribute to Ruby

The parents of Perthshire schoolgirl Ruby Stewart, who died of a rare cancer last year, hope to raise £10,000 when they skydive as part of a 14-strong team.

Ruby, of Inchture, was only six when she died of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in 2020 after being diagnosed in 2017.

Claire and Andy Stewart hope to raise the funds for Super Ruby’s Rhabdo Raiser – a fund they set up with Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) during Ruby’s treatment.

They have already raised £170,000 for research into the cancer.

Now they hope to add to the total when they and their team take to the sky for Ruby’s Giant Jump next month.

The 14 fundraisers will take on the jump of more than 10,000ft and speeds of up to 120mph at the Auchterarder drop zone on December 11 and 12.

Claire said: “The jump takes place over both days due to the number of people taking part and the amount of daylight available.

“Andy and I will both be jumping on the Sunday and will be there to support the team on Saturday, too.

“Hopefully we’ll have a beautiful winter’s day though and get to appreciate the amazing views of central Scotland.”

Claire and Andy try to “Be More Ruby” in everything they do and always remember her smiles and enthusiasm when doing anything, even things outside their comfort zones.

“It’s something to really challenge us and make us face our fears,” Claire said.

“Ruby went through so much in her short life and was so brave throughout. We want to do something that captures her spirit, courage and sense of adventure.

“It’s a perfect example of what Be More Ruby is all about – exciting, fun, adventurous, doing something for others while challenging yourself, being part of a team and bringing people together, with Ruby and the hope of a better future for children with rhabdomyosarcoma at its heart.”

She added: “Ruby would be amazed, excited and would probably want to take part.

“She’d also be grateful, would want to help in whatever way she could, and would be really touched that people were doing such a crazy, courageous thing for her and other children like her.”

Donations can be made on the Ruby’s Giant Jump Justgiving page.

SUPPORT: Andy and Claire Stewart with daughter Ruby who died of a rare cancer. Picture by Steve Macdougall.