Chief Executive on a high after charity skydive

A daredevil Chief Executive took a leap of faith for two NHS charities by braving his first ever skydive.

Charity
Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity Logo

Dr Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham NHS Foundation Trusts, took part in the 15,000ft aerial challenge at Skydive Hibaldstow in North Lincolnshire on Thursday 29 September. 

He raised £1,365, which will be split equally between Barnsley Hospital Charity and the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity.

He said: “I’m so grateful to fundraisers from across South Yorkshire who continue to raise money and donate to NHS charities. Their support has helped us through one of the most difficult periods in the NHS with the Covid pandemic. It definitely felt like my turn to fundraise, so I thought I’d aim high. 

“I felt a mixture of excitement and fear about the skydive and I definitely felt nervous when I saw the small plane I’d be diving from. But it was worth it. I really enjoyed it, especially sharing such a brilliant experience with other NHS colleagues. It was really cold up there but dare I say, I’d be tempted to do it again?

“Thank you to everyone who sponsored me.”

NHS charities in Barnsley and Rotherham raise money to enhance the care provided to thousands of patients and their families across South Yorkshire every year.

The generous donations received have enabled both charities to fund everything from sensory toys, entertainers and artwork for youngsters on the children’s wards, new equipment for the Neonatal Unit in Barnsley, staff wellbeing gardens at both hospitals, resources and enhanced services for cancer patients and those with learning disabilities and autism.

There’s still time to sponsor Richard via Go Fund Me.

 

Richard Jenkins at his Charity skydive