A 20-year-old nursery assistant from Caersws has raised thousands of pounds in memory of her two "gorgeous" cousins Casey and Kelly Breese, and their dad Nick as she plans to take part in a charity skydive this summer.
Ffion Jones has already reached her £3,000 fundraising target but is now hoping to raise £5,000 for two charities, close to her heart – the Wales Air Ambulance and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool.
This July marks a decade since 12-year-old Casey Breese died when a goal post fell on top of him when he was playing with friends in a recreational field in Caersws.
Just two years after Casey’s death, the family tragically lost his 18-year-old sister, Kelly, when the car she was driving crashed into a tree. Last year saw the family suffer more heartache following the sudden death of Casey and Kelly’s father, Nick.
From a young age Ffion has always wanted to do a skydive but wanted to have a reason to do the skydive.
Nick Breese and Casey Breese donated £750 to the Wales Air Ambulance charity in 2009. Picture: Phil Blagg/County Times
She said: “I am super excited about doing the skydive, and at the moment I’m not nervous. My family and friends think that I am absolutely crazy for doing it. One family member said ‘never in a million years’ would they do a skydive.
“The Wales Air Ambulance is a charity that has always been close to me and my family. My cousin was involved in a tragic accident where a goal post fell and crushed him underneath it. The Wales Air Ambulance was called out and they airlifted him to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, but unfortunately he passed away shortly after arrival. I felt that it was important to give back and therefore I want to raise as much money for the Wales Air Ambulance as I can.”
“This was unbearable news to hear for us all as a family, as well as their friends. They will all be extremely missed and forever in our hearts.” added Ffion.
Ffion is also raising funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after the hospital saved her close friend Willow’s life.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic Ffion, who was due to do the skydive last year, has re-scheduled her skydive to take place at Swansea Airport on Sunday, August 8.
As well as donations from friends and family Ffion has done quiz nights, as well as bag packing to raise funds.
Dougie Bancroft, Wales Air Ambulance community co-ordinator, said: “Ffion has already raised an incredible £3,000 in aid of two important causes. Despite the heartache the family has suffered Ffion has taken it upon herself to jump out of a plane in memory of her cousins’ and uncle to raise money for charity. What a lovely tribute to remember her loved ones by. Thank you so much Ffion and good luck with the skydive.”
You can donate to Ffion’s fundraiser via her Just Giving page
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here