Mother to skydive for charity

AN Exmouth mother is preparing for a hair-raising charity skydive, in order to raise money for the hospital that saved her daughter’s life.

When Jade Johnston, 19, gave birth to her daughter Madison in April last year, she was not allowed to hold her.

Madison had been born with a condition called gastroschisis, meaning that she had been born with her bowels, appendix and stomach outside her body.

This condition was treated by emergency key-hole surgery, but Madison then faced a series of setbacks, including periods of abnormally fast heart rate, or SVTs.

Happily after eight weeks Madison was allowed to go home with her mother, and although she still needs medication she is now out of danger.

Jade is now taking on the sponsored skydive in aid of Cots for Tots, the charity which supports the St Michaels Hospital in Bristol where Madison was treated.

St Michaels is the only hospital in the South West with the right equipment to provide top-level care for babies like Madison who are born with life threatening conditions.

Jade said: ‘I really wanted to do something to raise money for St Michaels after what they did for Madison.’

‘They do really important work, but they’re not getting enough funding which means they’re having to reject babies and send them to other hospitals, so some babies aren’t getting the specialist care they need.’

‘We’ve already raised �300, and any further donations are much appreciated.’

Jade, who lives in Bradham Lane, admits to having some nerves about her upcoming freefall plunge.

‘I’m trying not to think about it to be honest, but I think it’ll be a good experience. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to do it and it’s for an important cause, so I’m nervous but I’m also excited.’

Jade and her family are also planning future events in aid of Cots for Tots, including a cake sale and a sponsored swim.

The Cots for Tots Skydive takes place in Swindon on April 9. To sponsor Jade, go to www.justgiving.com/jade-johnston.