Brave staff jump at chance to help children's charity

Four brave workers from Kier Building Maintenance (KBM) performed the tandem jump for the Sick Children's Trust.

KBM commercial finance assistant Claire Jackson decided to take the plunge after a young relative became seriously ill and was sent to a Leeds hospital for specialist treatment.

The Sick Children's Trust provided her family with accommodation nearby to help make the treatment period as easy as possible.

Ms Jackson realised it would have been very difficult for her relatives without the charity's support and rallied her colleagues to take part in the dive.

KBM senior project manager Steve Preston said: "Although I am very proud of what we all achieved, I can honestly say that I was still terrified even though we were harnessed to an experienced instructor.

"It's always good to do something now and again that challenges you."

Mr Preston and Ms Jackson, alongside KBM colleagues Samantha Clark and Kylie Borrill, raised 2,700 for the worthy cause.

Sick Children's Trust community fundraiser Lydia Solomon said: "This is a fantastic amount of money raised and we are very grateful to the courageous team from Kier for their support – especially in such a daredevil activity.

"We are just happy that Eckersley House, our 'home from home' in Leeds, could be of help to the Jackson family during their traumatic time. It makes it all worthwhile."

The Sick Children's Trust provides safe and secure accommodation – including sites in Sheffield and Leeds – for the families of seriously ill children while their child is undergoing vital medical treatment many miles from home.