Business leaders take leap of faith

Three business leaders from Shrewsbury's Severn Business Network are set to literally take a leap of faith by jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet to raise vital funds for Severn Hospice.

Chris Beane (divisional director at Howden Insurance Local UK), Lucy Murphy (owner and director of Soul Sanctuary in Shrewsbury,) and Stephanie Henson (director of Six Ticks and The Digital Wellbeing Company) will all be taking part in tandem skydives on August 28 to support the hospice's work across Shropshire and Mid Wales. 

"Severn Hospice provides outstanding care and compassion to people and families during some of the most challenging times in their lives," said Chris, who also serves as charity co-ordinator for Severn Business Network. "Their work is nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm proud to be taking on this challenge in support of them."

Chris admits his original plan was to 'co-ordinate' others to do the jumping while he cheered from the ground, but somehow found himself signed up for the challenge. "As someone who has never willingly leapt from a perfectly good aircraft before, I can confirm that the nerves are very real," he said.

Stephanie said donations will directly impact the hospice's ability to continue their essential services. "Every donation, big or small, will go directly to Severn Hospice and help them continue offering their essential services.".

Jenny Bean, Severn Hospice corporate fundraiser, said: "We are so grateful to Chris, Lucy and Stephanie who are taking their fundraising to new heights and wish them luck for the big day. It means so much to us that the care and support we’ve given to some of the network’s loved ones has inspired them to raise funds for us as their chosen charity – and this is the most extreme and courageous challenge yet!

"At a time when the costs of providing our services continues to rise, their dedication ensures we can continue to provide free and compassionate care for local families when they need it most.”

Lucy said: "This isn't just about jumping out of a plane - terrifying as that is! - it's about showing up for people when they need it most."

All three participants are asking the local business community and wider public to support their fundraising efforts through their individual JustGiving pages.

Severn Business Network is a not-for-profit business networking group based in Shrewsbury, bringing together local business professionals to support each other and contribute to worthy causes in their community.

To support the skydiving trio's fundraising efforts for Severn Hospice, donations can be made through their individual JustGiving pages.

Support Chris: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-beane-4

Support Lucy: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucy-murphy-1

Support Steph: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stephanie-henson

Pictured: from left, Stephanie Henson, Chris Beane and Lucy Murphy