Intrepid pair skydive from 12,000ft for worth cause

IT TAKES a lot of courage to step out a plane and plunge a whopping 12,000ft, but a sky-diving duo were determined to put their mettle to the ultimate test, in memory of two very special ladies and in aid of a very worthy cause.

Imelda O’Neill and Catriona Ozun bravely took on a sky dive at the Irish Parachute Club, Clonbullogue, Co Offaly in aid of Carlow Kilkenny Homecare and in memory of Imelda’s sisters Bernie McGarry and Breda Ozun.

The daring duo raising an incredible €12,644.

Bernie sadly died 12 years ago at a very young age from cancer, while Breda, Catriona’s mother-in-law, sadly passed away in February last year following a short cancer illness.

The support of Carlow Kilkenny Homecare was invaluable to the family during those difficult times and the family were determined to honour Bernie and Breda by supporting the homecare team.

“It was Catriona’s idea and I suppose I thought if I did it, too, we could raise a lot more money,” said Imelda.

Imelda smiles as she explains that never in a million years would she have considered doing anything like a sky dive before, but on the day of the tandem jump she was absolutely resolved to do it.

“I was so determined on the day; it never even entered my head that I couldn’t do it. I thought of my two sisters and how they suffered and how brave they were … I felt they were with me, willing me on,” she adds.

“The instructor was lovely, he really put me at ease. It was very emotional, but once the parachute opened it was fabulous,” said Imelda. Imelda and Catriona raised their terrific total through a GoFundMe page, sponsorship cards and a yoga event. They are very grateful to all who supported them and thrilled with the total raised.

The ladies recently presented a cheque for €12,644 to Marion Smyth and Joan Jenkinson from the Bagenalstown branch of the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare.