Seven members of a Westbury family are taking part in a daring skydive to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital’s Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, a charity which is close to the family’s heart.
The jump, from a height of 15,000 feet, is a thank you from the family of four-year-old Olive Bownds who has received life-saving care from Bristol Children’s Hospital since birth.
The skydivers include Olive’s dad Nathan, her granddad Paul, and other family members who all work together at Westbury’s Impartial Financial Mortgage Brokers. The family has set an ambitious fundraising target of £3,000, with every penny going to The Grand Appeal, a charity that has been a lifeline for them over the years.
Olive’s journey began with an early diagnosis of a rare condition, Occipital Encephalocele, during her mother Jenna’s 20-week scan. This neural tube defect affects one in 10,000 babies, and Olive’s case required immediate and complex brain surgery just hours after she was born. Since then, she has undergone numerous procedures to manage hydrocephalus, a condition causing fluid buildup in the brain. Despite these challenges, Olive’s spirit remains strong and she is thriving in her first year at Bratton School, where she’s described as a “character” loved by everyone.
“We are thrilled to be embarking on an exhilarating adventure in 2025 – a daring skydive for The Grand Appeal, helping to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children at Bristol Children’s Hospital,” said Olive’s mum, Jenna. “This charity is close to our hearts as they’ve supported us throughout Olive’s journey, from music and pet therapy to providing accommodation near the hospital when Olive was in intensive care.
“The neurosurgeons and nurses have been like family to us. Their dedication has ensured Olive has every opportunity to thrive and live a normal life. We’re forever indebted to them.”
The Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal is the primary fundraiser for Bristol Children’s Hospital. The Bownds family say that the vital support services the charity funds have brought moments of joy during long and challenging hospital stays.
The family have completed other fundraising challenges including Nathan running in the Edinburgh Marathon last year, but this year’s skydive brings together other members of the family across three generations. “It’s our chance to give something back to the charity that has done so much for us and so many others,” said Jenna. “Bristol Children’s Hospital is an incredible place, and we’re lucky to have it so close to home. The support provided by The Grand Appeal is truly a lifesaver for parents and children alike.
“We were there for a week when Olive was born and in intensive care and we’ve been returning regularly since then but some families are there for a year or more.”
To support the Bownds family and help them reach their fundraising goal, donations can be made via their JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/page/impartialfinancial-1734616492301 – every contribution will directly aid The Grand Appeal’s mission to transform the lives of children at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Pictured: Olive and her family – mum and dad Jenna and Nathan and brothers Jack and Freddie
