Two care home colleagues have been thanked for raising more than £2,000 towards a church rebuild appeal by completing a 10,000-ft skydive.
Ruth Wildman and Denise Marks, Home Manager and Companionship Team Leader respectively at Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford, Dorset, both conquered a fear of heights to support the restoration of nearby Mudeford All Saints Church.
It was extensively damaged in an accidental electrical fire in summer 2022, prompting much community fundraising to reconstruct its devastated roof and interior.
Ruth and Denise did their skydive at the Old Sarum airfield near Salisbury, with Avon Reach resident Bruce Eynon watching them from the ground.
All three were invited to present a giant cheque representing the £2,081 raised at a Sunday service in Stanpit Village Hall, not far from All Saints.
Reverend Kathy Hicken, the Vicar of Mudeford, invited all present to express their thanks to Ruth and Denise through a rousing round of applause.
Ruth said: “A special prayer was said for everyone at Avon Reach as well, which was a touching moment for all involved.
“Denise and I were also invited to speak about our skydive experience. We explained it was absolutely amazing and something everyone should try at least once.
“Both of us would happily do it again.”
Denise said: “We are so grateful for the wonderful generosity of our sponsors. It’s all about doing our bit to help restore a much-loved community church. The service was a heartfelt occasion that felt like a celebration of our fundraising.”
Bruce said: “It is amazing how much they raised and I was glad to be there and be part of it.”
As well as the skydive, Avon Reach has supported All Saints since the fire by providing space for church groups to meet and hosting a monthly service open to parishioners and residents alike.
