When Paul Garland asked his son how he wanted to celebrate his 18th birthday he didn’t expect the reply. Matt, pharm who turns 18 next month, hospital decided he wanted to do a 15,000-feet skydive to raise money for charity – and asked his dad to join him.
Paul (45) has never done anything like this before but decided he was willing to give it a go so on July 12 – Matt’s 18th birthday – father and son will take to the skies.
The pair, of Lydney, are raising money for different charities. Matt, who is studying A levels at Hartpury College, is raising money for charity Forest Pulse, which supports children and young people with disabilities and their families in the Forest of Dean. Electrician Paul is hoping to raise £150 for baby loss charity Aching Arms, in memory of his youngest daughter Kya who was born sleeping in August 2009.
Aching Arms aims to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss and bring some comfort to bereaved parents and their families after the loss of a baby. The charity provides Aching Arms bears to hospitals to give to newly bereaved mothers as a comforter and to let them know they are not alone. Aching Arms also reaches out to families who contact them and sends bears directly.
Paul will be supported on the day by his wife Jo (41) and daughter Beth (13), who will be providing cupcakes for her dad and brother after the skydive. Paul said: “Aching Arms is a charity that is close to our hearts. We wanted to support Aching Arms and I thought that doing the skydive was not only a great way to celebrate with our son but also a way to do something in memory of our precious Kya.”
The skydive will take place in Salisbury. Paul and Matt have tried an indoor skydive but have not had to do any other preparation as all training will be provided on the day.
“Matt is really looking forward to doing the skydive and can’t wait,” said Paul. “I am getting a little nervous. I have never done anything like this before but I always support my children so when Matt suggested doing a skydive I just couldn’t say no!”
Leanne Turner, founding trustee at Aching Arms, said: “It is wonderful that Paul is doing this skydive and raising money in memory of his daughter Kya. The money that is raised for Aching Arms will go towards reaching out to bereaved families who have lost a baby during pregnancy or shortly afterwards.
“We rely solely on our wonderful fundraisers so we are very grateful to Paul for doing this for us.”
To donate you can go to Paul’s Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/PAUL-GARLAND3