Ambulance service worker's skydive for charity

A WELSH Ambulance Service worker is taking on a tandem skydive to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Fiona Maclean, 46, a Patient Experience & Community Involvement Manager, based in Swansea, will be jumping from 10,000 feet, four days before her 47th birthday.

Taking place at Swansea Airfield on 25 May, Fiona will reach speeds of up to 120mph all to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

The Alzheimer’s Society is a care and research charity that helps support people living with dementia, their carers and their families.

Fiona, who has worked for the Trust for 17 years, said: “After experiencing wing walking and absolutely loving it, sky diving was the next thing on my bucket list.

“When I saw Alzheimer's Society promoting the skydiving challenge to support Dementia Action Week I didn't hesitate to sign up, especially having close family members who are living with this heart breaking and cruel disease.”

This year, Dementia Action Week, an awareness raising campaign developed by Alzheimer’s Society which encourages people to act on dementia will run from 13-19 May 2024.

Fiona continued: “I'm sure if we all thought about it, many of us would know someone who is living with dementia and the devastating effect it can also have on families.

“That's why I want to raise as much as I can to support such an important cause.”

On the day, Fiona will be joined by members of the public who are also taking ‘One Giant Leap’ for dementia to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society which is taking place in 20 locations across Wales.

Leanne Hawker, Head of Patient Experience & Community Involvement, said: "Fiona never shies away from a challenge but diving into this one is something else.

“I know all your colleagues will join me in wishing you blue skies as you take on this challenge in raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“You’re truly inspirational.”

You can sponsor Fiona and help support the Alzheimer’s Society via her JustGiving page which closes on 26 April here.

Editor’s Notes

Alzheimer's Society is made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers and clinicians and are the UK’s largest collective force of people with over 40 years of experience.

For more information, please email Communications Specialist Beth.Eales@wales.nhs.uk