7 Oct 2026 Patient and Family Stories

Jessica takes to the skies in memory of dad Simon

Jessica Catling faced one of her biggest fears when she took to the skies for a charity skydive, raising more than £2,400 for The Kirkwood in memory of her much-loved dad, Simon.

Jessica joined her college friends Emma Sharpe and Celine Ellis for the challenge on 19th April 2026, with the trio deciding they wanted to push themselves outside their comfort zones while raising vital funds for The Kirkwood.

For Jessica, the challenge had a particularly personal meaning. Her dad, Simon Catling, died from cancer in March 2025, aged just 58, after receiving support from The Kirkwood which helped him to remain comfortable in his own home.

Jessica said: “The idea came about because we wanted to do something that would really challenge us, while raising money for a cause that was very personal and important to me. I had always been scared of heights, so agreeing to jump out of a plane was definitely a huge step outside my comfort zone!

“On the day itself, I was absolutely terrified. There were definitely moments when I wondered what on earth I had signed myself up for, but I kept thinking about my dad and reminding myself why I was doing it.”

Jessica explained that the care her dad received from The Kirkwood had made a huge difference to Simon and the whole family during an incredibly difficult time. She said: “The Kirkwood worked closely with my dad towards the end of his life and provided care and support that allowed him to be made comfortable in his own home. That meant so much to him and to all of us as a family.

“It meant that my dad could be surrounded by the people he loved and in a familiar environment, while having the care and support he needed. For our family, The Kirkwood wasn’t just a charity. They were there for us during one of the most difficult periods of our lives.”

Jessica, Emma and Celine initially set themselves a fundraising target of £1,000. But an incredible response from friends, family and supporters saw them more than double their target, with their JustGiving page eventually reaching £2,455, plus £552.50 in Gift Aid from 116 donations.

The fundraiser was also inspired by Emma's own connection to The Kirkwood. Her grandad received care from the hospice following a diagnosis of brain cancer, while Celine wanted to support the challenge because of her appreciation of the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.

Jessica said: “The response was honestly overwhelming. People donated, shared our fundraising and encouraged us throughout the challenge. Every single donation, no matter how big or small, meant so much to us. To more than double our original target was an incredible feeling, and I am incredibly proud of what Emma, Celine and I achieved together.”

Despite her nerves, Jessica says taking the leap is something she will never forget: “When it came to actually jumping, it was one of the scariest things I have ever done, but also one of the most amazing experiences,” she said.

“Afterwards, I felt such a huge sense of achievement. I had faced one of my biggest fears and had done it for my dad. Completing the skydive was about much more than conquering my fear of heights. It was about doing something positive in my dad’s memory and giving something back to the charity that cared for him and helped make him comfortable at home.”

Jessica also hopes their achievement will encourage others to find their own way of supporting The Kirkwood. She added: “For anyone thinking about fundraising for The Kirkwood, I would absolutely encourage you to do it. You don’t have to jump out of a plane! Every challenge, every donation and every bit of support can make a difference. For me, this was for my dad, Simon. I will always be incredibly proud that I faced one of my biggest fears in his memory and turned something so difficult into something positive.”

If you've been inspired by this story you can sign up to take on your own challenge for The Kirkwood HERE!