An Irvinestown woman is taking a big leap for charity this month as she partakes in a skydive in memory of her beloved grandad.

Nicole McCaffrey will be taking to the skies on Friday, March 24 with the aim of raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, whose nurses provided “outstanding” palliative care for her grandad, Michael McCaffrey, in his final days.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about her dear grandfather and her fundraising skydive in his memory, Nicole said: “My grandad, Michael McCaffrey, was diagnosed with cancer in November, 2021. In April 2022, he took really sick and the Macmillan nurses came in and took over.

“For his last three or four days, he was under their care, and the care was amazing. It was just outstanding,” she said, describing the Macmillan team as “angels”, adding: “Every single member of Macmillan are amazing at their jobs. We are so lucky to have their services in our community.

“That’s why I have chosen to support this charity.”

Remembering her grandfather fondly, Nicole said: “Anyone that knew him will know of his contagious smile, and kind heart. He was a man that would have done anything for anyone. And now I’m going to do something for him.”

Nicole will complete the skydive in Coleraine on Friday, March 24; however this is not the first time Nicole has gone to extreme heights for charity.

“In 2016 I did the ‘Take on the Tower’ abseil for Friends of the Cancer Centre in Belfast and I loved it,” she explained.

“I had said I wanted to do something again, but I ended up having children. Then [because of my grandad’s cancer diagnosis] I ended up being someone who had a family member that needed that type of care for the first time ever, and now I’m going bigger and better!”

Commenting that she is “thoroughly excited” about completing the skydive, Nicole added with a laugh: “I don’t know if I’m brave or stupid but I am really looking forward to it.”

All money raised from Nicole’s charity skydive will be donated to the Macmillan team and will go towards the work they carry out to support cancer patients and their families every day.

To donate to Nicole’s fundraising skydive, visit her JustGiving page at https://tinyurl.com/5y58v62p.

“No donation is too big or small; I am thankful for them all,” added Nicole.

Get a treat with our March sale - £3 for three months of digital subscription. Click here to subscribe