A WOMAN has celebrated her 30th birthday by taking part in a sky dive for Saint Catherine’s.

Emma Fordham took part in the dive in memory of her aunt Linda, from Thornton-le-Dale. Emma’s Aunt was cared for by Saint Catherine’s in the final weeks of her life.

Emma said: "I wanted to do something special for my 30th birthday and I had always been apprehensive about a sky dive, but the idea of raising money for the hospice in memory of my aunt seemed to fit well together.

“My aunt was in hospital in November 2016 with a chest infection and terrible pain from a tumour in her liver.

"She was visited by a nurse and specialist from the hospice suggesting that rather than go home with ongoing pain, she went into the hospice for them to sort out her pain relief.

“She was anxious about this idea as she felt the hospice meant end of life, but hesitantly agreed and moved in. Within less than a day, she knew this was the right place to be.”

Emma said: “Everyone at the hospice, including the cleaners, volunteers and nursing staff were pleasant, friendly and helpful. They made her and us, the family visiting, welcome.

"We were able to go every day for as long as we wished and staff provided us with food and drink alongside Linda. Linda being so well cared for and relaxed there made our anxiety and worry lessen as we were able to see that she trusted the staff and felt more at ease.”

Emma added: “The hospice gave Linda the best possible ending that we could have wished for. Her month there was relaxed and it felt very safe and nurturing. Staff were immediately responsive to her every need."

Emma’s skydive raised £720 for patient care. This money will help to provide care to patients and their families in your community.