Sophie’s story: A skydive for Nicola

Sophie will never forget her cousin Nicola and the bright, uplifting presence that characterised her life. She cherishes the care and love Nicola received during her final days at St John’s when she and her family could share precious moments by Nicola’s side.

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In August of this year, Sophie decided she wanted to do something to say thank you to the hospice and decided she was going to take the leap and skydive to raise funds to support our work.

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“Our family’s world came crashing down when our beautiful Nicola, at just the age of 30, gained her angel wings. Nicola was the life and soul of every party and her presence brightened up any room that she stepped into. Nicola was a ball of contagious, positive energy and I am honoured to be her cousin. Nicola was an individual, who had your back, no matter the situation. Her laugh was cheeky, her choice of earrings was spectacular and her love for the colour pink was always shown. She was brave, fierce and a fighter, right until the very end.”

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Nicola had spent time at our Inpatient Unit for respite care and so it was decided by Nicola and her parent’s that it was where Nicola would return to spend her final days.

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“We knew from Nicola’s first respite period that she was in wonderful, caring hands at St John’s. Our family, all 15 of us, were able to be by Nicola’s side for the last three days of her life because the team at St. John’s were so accommodating to us all. Not only did they show Nicola the utmost care and compassion, they also showed the same to us. We can never thank St. John’s enough for all that they did for Nicola and our family, their care is outstanding.”

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“I chose to do the Skydive for St John’s so that they can continue to show the same care and compassion we received to others and in continued memory of my beautiful cousin, Nicola.”

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We are incredibly grateful to Sophie for sharing her story with us and for raising a truly amazing £2,260 which will allow us to be there for all those in our community who need us. If you're feeling inspired and would like to find out more about completing a skydive as part of #TeamStJohns click here.