80-Year-Old Daredevil Grandmother from UK Takes the Plunge in Skydiving Adventure for Charity

Published 10/31/2023, 4:40 PM EDT

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For thrill-seekers, adventure knows no age. That’s what has been proved yet again by an 80-year-old grandmother on her birthday. This woman has done something that most people in the prime of their youths would think twice before attempting. The 80-year-old grandmother embarked on a bold and daring journey with two of her granddaughters. She has just taken an awe-inspiring leap from the clouds with the young duo. That’s not just it.

There’s a bigger picture to this adventurous journey. You must be having several questions popping up in your mind now, starting with ‘why’. Is she just an adrenaline junkie? No. Her goal is to raise enough funds to support to the dedicated patient care that is provided by the Willow Wood Hospice. That’s right. This was for charity. 

Generations unite to support Hospice in skydiving fundraiser 

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Sylvia Heatley on her 80th birthday set off with the young duo of her granddaughters and took a high leap of faith of 7500 feet from the clouds. Her two granddaughters Ashley Cliffton (34) and Karys Heatley (24) set on their journey over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. They ventured into the infinity from the Black Knights Skydiving Centre near Lancaster. 

Heatley belongs to the town of Mottram in Townsids. Sylvia, candid and full of enthusiasm and happiness remarked, I’m glad I did it, it was a bucket list moment. It was the best day, … To do it with two of my grandchildren was special.” She also stated that the experience for her was nothing short of “amazing”.

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Heatley completely relished the moment and the experience of her freefall. She also shared how her older granddaughter was not ready or rather could not take the pressure and fear of witnessing her loving nanna jump off from an airplane and that’s why she took the first leap among the trio. 

Grandmother’s thrilling skydive raises thousands for charity

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Sylvia has had a deep connection with Willow Wood as her husband, Barry was taken care of by a staff from Willow Wood when he was 59. Unfortunately, Barry was suffering from the deadly ailment of throat cancer and left the world a year ago. After their successful dive, they donated £3,408.37 to Willow Wood which has been quite a big deal for the trio.

Read More: 104-Year-Old Chicago Woman Defies Age With Epic Record-Breaking Skydive

Heatley shared her gratitude to every single soul who contributed to her fundraising efforts. “When we told everyone about the skydive and what Willow Wood did for Barry, people were happy to give.”, commented Heatley. 

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What Sylvia had done at the age of 80 might not be possible for a 20-year-old to do that boldly and fearlessly. She is nothing short of an inspiration and a legend who has not only taken a courageous step to cater to her adventurous soul but also to fulfill her marvelous dream of raising funds for charity.

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Written by:

Disita Sikdar

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Disita Sikdar is a Viral Sports Moments writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed her bachelor's degree in English from Bhawanipur Education Society College affiliated under the University of Calcutta, she will soon be stepping towards pursuing her masters in English. She has experience working as a content creator and social media manager previously.
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Edited by:

Smrutisnat Jena