SKYDIVERS raised almost £10,000 for a children’s hospice in Oxford.

Employees from different biotech companies in Oxfordshire took part in a skydive last month and raised £9,699 for Helen & Douglas House, in Magdalen Road.

The challenge was a tandem jump where each person was harnessed to a professional parachute instructor to keep them safe.

Jack O’Meara, CEO and co-founder of Ochre Bio, in Headington, said: “Helen & Douglas House provides a profoundly important service to the Oxfordshire community.

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“As we thought about local charities to support, it was hard to think of anything more important for our society than the compassionate care of terminally ill children.

“I am so grateful that we could catalyse support from the local biotech ecosystem, even in this small way, and I hope it leads to stronger ties between our sector and the wonderful community in which we live.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be exhilarating. It was surreal to see Oxford from a whole new vantage point.”

Shahzaadee Adam, corporate partnerships executive at the hospice, said: “We would like to thank everyone for skydiving for us and raising a massive £9,699 to help local terminally ill children.

“This will pay for four months of medical supplies for the hospice. This donation will help ensure we are here to help children live life to the full even though their lives are short and comfort those who are left behind after they die.”

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi