A Caerphilly man who completed a skydive in memory of his dad has said it was a ‘truly unforgettable experience’!
Caine Harrison, 29, from Caerphilly took to the skies in memory of his dad Christopher after he died from a cardiac arrest last year.
Cain said: “Wales Air Ambulance responded incredibly quickly when my dad suffered a cardiac arrest. Although he sadly passed away, I’m deeply grateful for the efforts they made and the compassion they showed during such a difficult time
“Their support didn’t end there—the kindness and care they continued to show after we lost Dad, through the Aftercare Service, was truly remarkable. I wanted to give something back in recognition of everything they did for us.”
In 2019, the charity launched its Aftercare Service through the introduction of a Patient Liaison Nurse, Jo Yeoman. Thanks to this service, the Charity is now one of the first to arrive on scene but also the last to leave, ensuring that patients and their families are supported throughout their recovery, including bereavement support.
The Charity expanded the service in 2022 with an additional Patient Liaison Nurse, Hayley Whitehead-Wright covering Mid and North Wales.
Christopher was described by Caine as a true family man, who adored his grandchildren and extended his kindness not just to family and friends but everyone he met.
Administrator Caine said: “Dad made sure we felt loved, supported, and encouraged every single day—celebrating our successes, guiding us through challenges, and never missing a chance to show how much he cared.
“Most of all, he adored his grandchildren. His face would light up whenever they were around. His love for family was the foundation of who he was, and everything he did came from a place of care, kindness, and generosity.
“His presence is deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched.
Reflecting on his huge challenge of jumping out of a plane, Caine said: “It was absolutely incredible. Pure adrenaline and joy! A truly unforgettable experience.”
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
Caine raised an incredible £590 for the all-Wales Charity. However, this isn’t the first time Caine has fundraised for the Wales Air Ambulance. Last month he completed the Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge. He walked 100km over 23 hours and crossed the line with his colleague Lucy Roberts.
They were supported by their ‘amazing team’ from Link Financial.
He said: “Many of the team completed either the 100km, 50km, or 25km distances, and the experience was incredibly meaningful to all of us.”
The team raised over £5,000 for charity, with donations still coming in. The money will be split between four charities including the Wales Air Ambulance.
Reflecting on the amount raised through his fundraising Caine said: “I’m incredibly grateful to my friends, family, and colleagues who supported my fundraising journey. At times, I was overwhelmed by their generosity, their encouragement and donations kept me going and meant the world to me.”
Christian Sullivan, Regional Fundraising Manager for South Wales, said: “A huge thank you to Caine for fundraising for our Charity. He set himself the challenge of completing a skydive in memory of his dad, Christopher, which is so heartwarming. It’s incredible to hear of families who go on to raise funds for the Charity after a loved one has passed away. We really appreciate Caine’s support and it sounds like he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, whilst honouring his dad.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported him in his fundraisers for our all-Wales Charity, your support will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.
“A big thanks also goes to his colleagues at Link Financial for their support during the Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge fundraiser.”
