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Meet Hannah and Max: the teenagers who took to the skies to raise money for the hospital that supported their family. 

Hannah’s hospital journey 

Most people celebrate their 18^th birthday with a party. Instead, Hannah jumped out of a plane. 

Hannah has been cared for by Bristol Children’s Hospital since she was little because of her cystic fibrosis and diabetes. Although the time she spent in hospital was often hard, Hannah’s always felt supported and respected by the staff. 

“I have constant check-ups and I’ve had to stay in hospital overnight for operations,” said Hannah. “I have always had to live with needles. Whenever I eat, I need to inject myself and take tablets. It is very time-consuming and draining to look after my health, but Bristol Children’s Hospital has helped me.” 

“The staff have given me the independence I needed to learn to care for myself. They’ve supported my family too. They are such a lovely team who always made me feel comfortable.” 

Inspired by a fundraising legend 

Hannah wanted to say thank you to Bristol Children’s Hospital as she transitioned to adult care. To mark the end of an era, Hannah chose to follow in the footsteps of one of our most legendary volunteers, 93-year-old John. 

John, The Grand Appeal’s resident daredevil, skydived, wing walked and abseiled to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital right up until the age of 92. Chatting to John on his fundraising stall was one of Hannah’s most positive memories of visiting the hospital.  

“Every time I went for an appointment in Bristol, John was in reception selling Wallace & Gromit merchandise. He is so, so lovely and he shared his story with me about how he raised money through skydiving. He inspired me to want to do my own skydive,” Hannah explained. 

Taking the leap 

However, Hannah felt anxious about taking the leap alone.  

That’s where Max, Hannah’s 16-year-old brother, stepped in. Max decided to join his sister to help fight her fears.  

“I wanted to say thank you to Bristol Children’s Hospital for the amazing care they have provided for my sister,” said Max. “I did the skydive with Hannah to support her and show her that she can achieve a lot in her life despite her conditions.” 

Hannah and Max’s mum booked their skydives at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon, which is where The Grand Appeal’s skydiving team days take place. To make the occasion extra special, Hannah chose to jump on the day of her 18^th birthday.  

“It was a surreal experience that went by so, so quickly. The team were all lovely and I loved watching my skydiving video back. I felt super proud of myself and the money me and my brother had raised,” Hannah said. 

Together, the siblings raised £1,862 for Bristol Children’s Hospital! 

Their fundraising will support other young people with long-term health conditions. Hannah leaves behind a truly inspiring legacy as she ends her treatment at Bristol Children’s Hospital.