Sophie plans charity skydive (From The Northern Echo)

Sophie plans charity skydive

11:07am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Thirsk News

THE sister of a police officer who died of cancer aged 29 will honour his memory and the nurses who cared for him by skydiving for charity.

Sophie Gillespie, 21, of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is preparing for a tandem jump next month to pay tribute to her Cleveland Police beat officer brother, Michael.

PC Gillespie died in October, leaving his police officer wife, Sarah, 27, and sons Cole, three, and Finn, who was nine weeks old.

He was described by colleagues as a dedicated and highly respected officer.

Miss Gillespie said she wanted to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support to thank the charity for its support. She has already raised £1,800 after donations from her father’s colleagues at Northgate Vehicle Hire, in Darlington.

She said: “The Macmillan nurses were fantastic with the whole family.

“Michael would have thought I was an absolute idiot doing a skydive, but I would also like to think he would be proud of me.

“I am not that nervous yet. I like adrenaline and I have always wanted to do a skydive. Michael was very brave after he was diagnosed last year and what I am doing is not bravery compared to what he went through.”

Donate at justgiving.com/sophie-gillespie.