16 year old Zoe jumps solo

Sixteen-year-old Chulmleigh Community College student Zoë Dean is taking on a solo parachute jump challenge for the hospital charity Over and Above.

Zoe is a member of the South Molton Detachment Devon Army Cadet Force and they have offered her the exciting opportunity of jumping 2,500 – 10,000 feet on Salisbury Plain in October half term.

The Army Cadet Force at South Molton  takes cadets from 12 – 18 years and offers lots of fun, friendship, action and adventure, and gives young people an opportunity to take part in adventurous activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, archery and abseiling and sports.

Zoe said “I’ve enjoyed lots of challenges with the Army Cadets but I have never done anything like this before.   My Grandad has cancer and is being cared for at the hospital in Barnstaple.  My Grandad has told me that the hospital needs a Cancer and Wellbeing Centre and I want to raise as much money as I can so that the centre can help my Grandad and other people who need support too.”

Zoe is part of a fundraising family and they have already raised a magnificent £467.50 for the Cancer and Wellbeing Centre this year.  Her Grandad, Godfrey Parker, organised a fundraising race night with family and friends to celebrate his 70th birthday which raised £245, and Godfrey’s son Darren and daughter in law Emma organised another race night raising £222.50.

Over and Above Hospital Fundraiser Julie Whitton said “I know that Zoe is very excited about taking on this solo challenge.  With training from the Army Cadet’s qualified instructors I am sure she will have a fabulous time, and we are very grateful she has chosen to support the new Appeal.”

So far, thanks to the amazing support from the people of North Devon the hospital charity has raised around £600,000 towards its £1.5million target.  To help us reach the target, please sponsor Zoe on: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/justmakethejump or text GVBB64 to 70070

The Cancer and Wellbeing Centre Appeal aims to raise £1.5million to build a Cancer and Wellbeing Centre at North Devon District Hospital.  The centre will be a dedicated space available to anyone affected by cancer and other illnesses at any stage of their illness, offering a wide range of information and support services, all within a comfortable and welcoming environment.  The centre will also include a relatives’ accommodation wing for family and other loved ones of in-patients who are receiving treatment at North Devon District Hospital.