CALNE dad Matt Hughes has taken part in a skydive to raise money for seven charities that have been supporting his young daughter through illness.
Matt’s daughter, Megan, was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia towards the end of last year.
Aplastic anaemia is a rare and serious disease in which the bone marrow does not produce an adequate number of new blood cells.
In March this year, she underwent an intensive nine days of chemotherapy before finally undergoing the two-day long process of the bone marrow transplant. She remained in the isolation ward for five weeks, followed by a further six weeks in the family isolation accommodation before being allowed home.
Matt and his wife Jess are not only hoping to raise money for the charities that are helping them through the tough time, but they are also calling for people to donate blood and join the stem cell register.
Matt, who has worked at Landmarc for just over three years, was previously in the Royal Marines for 27 years.
He told us: "Landmarc has been amazing throughout this, they came up with the idea to do the skydive to raise as much money as possible for the charities."
Matt completed the challenge at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire on Friday (16/8), he jumped alongside his Landmarc colleagues Kirsty Pearce, Jo Potts, Dan Webb and Managing Director of Landmarc, Mark Neill. Beth and Hannah from Van Demons also jumped on behalf of Megan’s fundraiser.
They have raised over £17,000 for the charities, which include The Aplastic Anaemia Trust and GWH's Brighter Futures.
Mark Neill, MD at Landmarc Support Services, said: "Taking part in the skydive was an unforgettable experience. It was a privilege to support such incredible charities and stand by one of our own during this challenging time.
“Megan has shown extraordinary bravery throughout her journey, facing unimaginable challenges with a resilience that inspires us all.
“Given her dad’s background as a former Royal Marine, we knew our fundraising effort needed to reflect the strength and determination his daughter has shown. Leaping out of a plane at nearly 14,000 feet felt like a fitting challenge.
“My team and I were naturally apprehensive before the jump—it’s not how we typically spend a Friday afternoon. But the professionals at Skydive Netheravon and the Army Parachute Association were outstanding in building our confidence.
“The freefall at nearly 130mph, with stunning views of Salisbury Plain and the south coast, was exhilarating. When the parachutes opened, and we began our gentle descent back to the ground, it was a moment of relief and pride.
“We were thrilled to overcome our nerves and contribute to helping Megan and others who have gone through so much more."
Photo 1 & 3 credit Landmarc Support Services
Photo 1 Matt ready for the skydive
Photo 2 credit Matt Hughes - Matt and daughter Megan
Photo 3: Mark, Matt, Dan Webb - Engineering & Assurance Director, Kirsty Pearce - Corporate Services Director, Jo Potts - Finance Director, Beth Lucas & Hannah Ratsey from Van Demons and Danny Pilgrim - Commercial Director
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