Team Solent take to the skies to fundraise for Solent NHS Charity after mum's brain surgery

Rachel Cheal, chief of staff at Solent NHS Trust took part in a skydive with fellow former colleague, Jas Sohal, who was previously Solent's chief people officer, to raise money for Solent NHS Charity.

Rachel and Jas were determined to complete their 10,000 foot skydive, including 30 seconds of free-fall, which took place on 22 October in Salisbury, for reasons close to their hearts.

Rachel explained: ‘Our staff give such value to the trust so raising money for the Solent NHS Charity is my way of recognising their contribution and saying thank you for all their hard work.

‘I really believe in challenging yourself once in a while, doing something that pushes you completely out of your comfort zone, and makes you feel alive.

‘We are incredibly grateful to all out sponsors. The funds will go to a great cause to help enhance and improve the experience of patients and staff.’

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Half of the money raised will go to Solent’s Snowdon Ward, the other half of the money will be used to directly support the health of patients and colleagues at Solent NHS Trust.

Jas added: ‘Over a year ago, I discovered my mum lying at the bottom of the stairs. I accompanied her in the ambulance, to ED and into a neuro ward. She had suffered two bleeds to her brain.

‘She had brain surgery and returned home almost a month later.

‘The team at Snowdon who specialise in neuro rehabilitation at Solent were amazing. They visited her at home to undertake specialist physio and enable her to progress slowly but surely over several months.

‘The team was full of dedicated, hardworking and expert individuals who overcame the language barrier that they faced, with dignity and great respect.

Rachel and Jas have so far raised over £1,800 for the charity.

‘Just last month, [mum] was able to see her first grandchild’s wedding, a momentous occasion which was also the first time she stopped using mobility aids.

‘If the money we raise can go some way to support others facing the same situation as my mum, we would be honoured to have made that small difference for them.’