MK South Conservative Candidate for the Jump by Festus Akinbusoye 29 April 2009 |
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Iain Stewart is pictured in the back row, third from right
On Saturday 9th May, 2009, Iain Stewart, the Conservative Party's Parliamentary Candidate for Milton Keynes South will be doing a parachute jump from 10,000 feet to raise money for the Willen Hospice. Commenting on the decision to take the jump, he said: "It was one of my madder moments when I agreed to do this! I'm not going to lie. My idea of air travel is reclining in a comfortable seat while sipping a nice glass of champagne at 35,000 ft. The thought of dropping through the air vertically at a significant rate of knots petrifies me. However, with Willen in need of extra funds, I’m prepared to put my fears aside."
Based in Milton Keynes, The Willen Hospice has been providing excellent care for terminally ill patients for almost thirty years. Last year alone, the hospice provided 24 hour care and support to over 400 patients and their families. What is more unique about the hospice is that its services are provided to patients free of charge. As a result, it relies heavily on donations and fundraising. Given the current economic climate however, there has been a marked drop in income from several sources which could potentially mean a reduction of services.
Speaking on the current challenge faced by the Hospice, Iain said: "As with many hospices, they have to raise the vast majority of their funding themselves and it is an honour to be able to help Willen Hospice in its hour of need to raise much needed funds by taking part in this parachute jump." Iain is no stranger to fundraising for charities. He ran the London Marathon in 2003 for the Macmillan Cancer Research, a half Marathon in 2006 for MKSNAP, a local charity that provides work and life skills training to people over the age of 16 with learning difficulties and another half marathon in 2008 for SportsAid. On Iain's decision to do the parachute jump, Melanie Harris from the Hospice said: "We are delighted that Iain is doing the parachute jump with the hospice team. We have already had pledged sponsorship for all involved of over £5,000 which will go towards essential patient care at the hospice" .
To make a donation towards Iain's fundraiser, please CLICK HERE
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