Father’s 15,000ft skydive thrill

Gary Roper, of Sycamore Way, Birstall, completed a tandem skydive in aid of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

He pledged to support the trust following the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter Amy.

His wife Angela gave birth to twins in 1995, but their daughter died from Pearson’s disease - a rare condition which affects the cells of many different organ systems.

Amy’s death inspired Mrs Roper to change careers and follow her passion for helping others.

She now works as a carer at the children’s hospice.

In support of his wife, Mr Roper pledged to raise £400 for the trust but smashed his target raising a staggering £1,500.

He said he signed up to do the skydive because he was so proud of his wife.

“The reason I got in that plane was because she has worked so long and hard to get where she is,” he said.

“After everything we have been through I am so proud she is doing something she has always wanted to do.”

Mr Roper travelled to Lincolnshire and completed the jump alongside friends Hugh McGurnaghan and Cheryl Hobson last Tuesday.

“It was brilliant and better than I expected,” he said.

“My instructor Walzer Wes asked me if I wanted it mild or wild then turned around and said he only did it wild.

“He spun me like mad but it was great fun. I would love to do something like that again.”