Dad’s skydive to thank NHS heroes

Daredevil dad Shane Callaghan is preparing to jump out of a plane to say thank you to staff who have cared for his mum the past year.

Shane, from Thornton, Bradford, will take part in a skydive in Bridlington on Saturday 29 August for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity – the charitable arm of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He is raising money for the charity’s dedicated cancer fund, with the money going to Ward 16 at Bradford Royal Infirmary, where his mum, Tracy Callaghan, has been cared for and treated since her terminal lung cancer diagnosis in June 2019.

Shane said: “I’m a real adrenalin junkie anyway, and have always wanted to do a skydive, but this means more to me because I can do it to say thank you to all the staff on Ward 16, for everything they have done for my mum.

“They have given such fantastic support from the start and made her feel as comfortable and settled as she can. It means a lot to me to raise funds for this team, to help them continue this support other patients and families going through these tough and sad times.”

Shane, who has a six-year-old son, has taken on extreme challenges in the past, such as swimming with sharks and doing the biggest zip line in Europe. He said it was his mum’s idea for him to do the skydive, as she knew how much he wanted to do it.

“She knows I’m an adrenalin junkie, so she knew it was right up my street,” said Shane. “I’m so glad I can do the skydive and also raise money to say thank you.”

You can read Shane’s story and donate at

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shane-callaghan86

Ward 16 provides haematology and oncology services to patients, such as chemotherapy treatment. Bradford Hospitals’ Charity has already funded new chemotherapy chairs, a revamp of the waiting area, wall art and coffee machine, with refurbishment works ongoing.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity’s cancer fund supports equipment, specialist training and refurbishment projects across oncology services.

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Shane and his mum Tracy have been through such an incredibly difficult time that we’re overwhelmed and very grateful that he chose to raise money for our charity.

“The team on Ward 16 are an amazing group of very skilled and dedicated clinicians and health care professionals, and I know they will be incredibly grateful too. They truly care about all their patients and go that extra mile to make sure they are supported. This money will be spent on Ward 16 to enhance facilities and ensure staff can continue to provide the very best treatment and care.”

You can find out more about Bradford Hospitals’ Charity at https://bradfordhospitalscharity.org. Alternatively, if you wish to make a donation by phone or support the charity, please call the charity office on 01274 274809.