Fife teens' charity skydive nets over £12K

Christopher (19), formerly from Burntisland, undertook the daring challenge in memory of his beloved grandmother Maria Garcia who was originally from Cuba, but came to Burntisland in 1993 to live with her daughter Georgina and ended up helping to bring up her three sons, of whom Christopher is the youngest.

Maria, who passed away in February at the grand age of 93, latterly suffered from vascular dementia, similar to Alzheimers, and she was Christopher’s inspiration when he decided to do the skydive.

“We had a difficult time with Yeya (granny) after she got this horrible disease, and she eventually had to go into Chapel Level Nursing Home where she happily spent her last 20 months,” said Christopher.

“She always told me I could do anything I wanted and I had decided to do the skydive before she died. I think she would have been proud.”

Christopher took to the skies on March 19 at Strathallan Airfield through an event organised by the skydiving club of Strathclyde University where he is a second year product design student.

“I was a bit nervous before, but the instructor was great and it was a really fantastic experience. I would love to do it all over again!”

Christopher set himself a fundraising target of £1200 and to date has raised £1270, with more coming in.

“Everyone has been very generous and I would like to thank all the individuals and businesses in and around Kirkcaldy who have helped me to raise this money for this worthy cause.”

Donations can still be made at: www.justgiving.com/Maria-Ferrer-Garcia.