Published on: Tuesday 25 Aug 2026 at 08:59
St Clare Hospice nurse Dorothy Carter is preparing to leap from 13,000ft to raise vital funds for the charity where she helps care for local patients and families every day.
Dorothy, who has been a nurse at St Clare Hospice for seven years, will take on a charity skydive after deciding it was time to tick a lifelong ambition off her bucket list while supporting a cause close to her heart.
“I’ve always wanted to do a skydive, talked about it, but never actually done anything,” she said. “I saw the poster in the Hospice, and it just seemed a good opportunity. The time is now, better now than never!”
She added: “I’m nervous. I’m anxious. But I’m also a bit excited because it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
Despite setting an initial fundraising target of £500, Dorothy has already raised over £1,200 thanks to the generosity of family and friends. Now she hopes even more people will support her efforts and help raise money for St Clare Hospice’s specialist end-of-life care services.
“I’m hopeful that we can raise some funds for St Clare and carry on the work that goes on, helping families and patients with life-limiting conditions,” she said.
Working closely with patients and families, Dorothy sees first-hand the difference hospice care makes.
“St Clare’s care is excellent,” she said. “They don’t just look after the patient; they look after the whole family. They look after everybody physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually, and it would be great to reach more families and people who need our support.”
Among the many patients and families Dorothy has cared for over the years, one couple in their 90s remains especially memorable. Childhood sweethearts who had been married for around 70 years, they remained devoted to one another throughout the husband’s final illness.
“They were kissing and cuddling right up to the end,” said Dorothy. “It was just a privilege to be part of their little circle and help them through that journey.”
Reflecting on both her skydive and the lessons she has learned through her nursing career at the Hospice, Dorothy has a simple message for anyone considering a challenge of their own: “Life is short, and we never know what’s around the corner. If there’s something you want to do, just do it.”
To support Dorothy’s challenge and help St Clare Hospice continue providing specialist care and support to local families facing life-limiting illness, you can visit her fundraising page by clicking here.
If you’re interested in taking on a challenge to support the Hospice, please get in touch with Sarah Piercy by emailing sarah.piercy@stclarehospice.org.uk or calling 01279 773732.