A nursery assistant from Powys has taken the leap and has so far raised £10,500 for causes close to her heart.

Ffion Jones, 21, finally took to the skies to complete her skydive more than two years later than planned - in memory of her cousins Casey and Kelly Breese, and their dad Nick. 

Ffion has smashed her fundraising target of £10,000 to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool. Money is still coming in following the completion of her skydive.

To raise the funds Ffion, from Caersws, has arranged quiz nights, a cocktail afternoon, cake stalls, charity bag packing and fancy dress at work with the children.

In 2011, twelve-year-old Casey Breese died when a goal post fell on top of him when he was playing with friends.

Just two years after Casey’s death, the family tragically lost his 18-year-old sister, Kelly, when the car she was driving crashed into a tree. Two years ago, saw the family suffer more heartache following the sudden death of Casey and Kelly’s father, Nick.

From a young age, Ffion was keen to do a skydive but wanted to have a reason for it, she’s delighted to have finally had the opportunity to do the skydive at Swansea Airport.

She added: “The Wales Air Ambulance is a charity that has always been close to me and my family. My cousin was involved in a tragic accident where a goal post fell and crushed him underneath it. The Wales Air Ambulance was called out and they airlifted him to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, but unfortunately, he passed away shortly after arrival. I felt that it was important to give back and therefore I wanted to raise as much money for the Wales Air Ambulance as I can.

“I have finally completed my skydive, two years later and seven different attempts. It was absolutely fantastic, and such an amazing experience. Although I had to wait longer than I planned to do the jump it was 100% worth it. The thrill and excitement when the door of the plane opens is one that I’ll never forget. I definitely recommend anyone thinking of doing one just to go for it!”

Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.

As well as the Wales Air Ambulance - Ffion also raised funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after the hospital saved her close friend Willow’s life.

Ffion would like to thank everyone who has supported her in her fundraising during the past two years.

Dougie Bancroft, Wales Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraiser said: “Ffion is an incredible young lady, who despite experiencing such heartache she wanted to raise funds for two causes close to her heart. Despite the disappointment of the skydive being cancelled on numerous occasions Ffion was determined to keep fundraising and to complete it when it was possible. What a lovely tribute to do in memory of her cousins and uncle. Congratulations to Ffion for doing the skydive and exceeding her £10,000 fundraising target.

“Our Charity is delighted that we were chosen to benefit from her fundraiser. Ffion has helped raise an incredible amount for both causes. Fundraisers, like Ffion’s, will help the Wales Air Ambulance continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Thank you, Ffion. We really do appreciate your efforts.”

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.