Jumping for Olive – Family’s skydive raises funds for life-saving care

Members of a Westbury family have taken to the skies to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital, which has provided life-saving care to their four-year-old relative. 

Olive Bownds, who attends Bratton School, has received care the hospital since her birth. Several of her family members recently jumped from a height of 15,000 feet to raise money for the hospital’s Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal. 

Jenna Bownds, Olive’s mum, said, “Olive and her two older brothers were watching along with myself and some other immediate family members. They all thought it was very exciting watching the plane take off and then seeing them all landing one by one on the field in front of us.   

“Olive’s father Nathan enjoyed the dive so much he was already wanting to arrange his next one when he was back on solid ground!” 

Meanwhile Paul Hart, Olive’s grandfather, was less sure about repeating the experience. He said, “It was very exhilarating, but I did wonder about some of my life choices when my feet were dangling out of the plane at 15,000 feet!” 

Several family members, who work together at Westbury’s Impartial Financial Mortgage Brokers where Paul is the director, took part in the jump. Joining the challenge were Olive’s grandad Paul, dad Nathan, aunt Katie Macpherson, uncles Robbie Macpherson and Rob Hart.  

The skydive, which took place at Old Sarum Airfield with Go Skydive, raised £3,000 for the Grand Appeal, which is the primary fundraiser for Bristol Children’s Hospital.  

Olive’s frequent hospital visits, due to her rare brain condition Occipital Encephalocele, are made more comfortable by the work of the charity. 

Jenna added, “Impartial Financial reached the £3,000 target they were striving for and we – Olive’s family and all at Impartial Financial – are all so grateful for every donation given.  

“We know the money raised will directly benefit children like Olive being cared for on Bluebell Ward at Bristol Children’s Hospital. This is the neurosurgical ward where Olive has stayed on numerous times from birth. It is facilitated by some of the most wonderful, dedicated and compassionate nurses, doctors and play therapists.” 

The family have completed other fundraising challenges which include Nathan running in the Edinburgh Marathon last year and Olive’s brothers taking on the Great Bristol Junior and Mini Run earlier this month.