Local care colleagues make the jump for Breast Cancer Now

Two brave care home colleagues, Simon Strangward, a Maintenance Operative at Shire Oaks Court in Walsall, and Sejal Sawant, a Physiotherapist at Otterburn in Birmingham, recently completed a thrilling skydive for Breast Cancer Now, raising over £1000.

The duo took part in the Big Pink Jump, leaping from an altitude of 10,000 feet and reaching speeds of up to 120mph, all to raise money for the UK’s leading breast cancer research and support charity.

For both Simon and Sejal, it was a first-time experience, and one they won’t soon forget. Simon commented: “It was surreal. When I first jumped out, I just thought – ‘where am I?’ But then the adrenaline kicked in, and it felt like total freedom. The freefall was intense! The pressure on my face, the speed, everything. It’s something I never knew I needed in my life.”

Simon is no stranger to fundraising, having previously completed the Great British Care Cycle Relay in aid of Huntington’s Disease. This time, when his colleagues at Otterburn care home asked if he’d join the Big Pink Jump for Breast Cancer Now, he couldn’t resist. He said: “I love raising money for good causes. And this one felt extra special. I was a little anxious before the jump, but mostly excited, and now I just want to do it all over again!”

“I love raising money for good causes. And this one felt extra special. I was a little anxious before the jump, but mostly excited, and now I just want to do it all over again!”

Simon promoted his JustGiving page in the run-up to the event, rallying support from friends, family, colleagues, and residents: “Everyone was surprised, impressed… and pretty much all of them said the same thing: ‘what if the parachute doesn’t work? Thankfully it did, and I’m ecstatic that we went well over double our original target of £450. I can’t thank people enough for their generosity, it really means the world to us.”

Thanks to widespread support, both Simon and Sejal exceeded their fundraising targets, with donations still coming in after the event. Sejal said: “The Big Pink Jump was one of the most exhilarating and emotional things I’ve ever done. As nervous as I was leading up to it, the moment we jumped, all I could feel was adrenalin! 

“It was over in seconds, but it’s an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’m so proud to have done this and so thankful to everyone who supported me – every single donation made a difference for an incredible cause.”

Together, Simon and Sejal proudly represented Shire Oaks Court and Otterburn, two Exemplar Health Care homes that support people living with complex needs, raising funds and awareness for a cause that touches countless lives. Simon reflected on the event:

“It felt really good to take on this challenge alongside Sejal. Now I understand why it’s on so many people’s bucket lists. It was thrilling, emotional, and just unforgettable.”