Millbrook Village resident proves she isn’t retired, she’s inspired by skydiving for charity

Former teacher, retiree and 68-year-old Millbrook Village resident, Jenny Skinner, recently took back her freedom after a difficult year of restrictions by skydiving to raise money for Hospiscare and Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Both causes are dear to her heart, with Hospiscare chosen due to the care it gave her friend when diagnosed with inoperable cancer, while her local Air Ambulance was picked because the Kent branch of the service helped save Jenny’s life following a horse-riding accident 25 years ago. 

Jenny jumped 15,000ft and has raised over £2,438 for the two charities as well as fulfilling a lifelong dream. Jenny was joined at the skydive by her husband and friends who helped her through lockdown after forming much needed support bubbles. Family also cheered Jenny on from across the UK.

Inspired Villages organised the skydive as part of its ‘Retired? No, Inspired’ campaign helping residents achieve long-held dreams. The campaign aims to highlight that those later years can be the best of your life as you finally have the freedom from work and family commitments to do things you may have been putting off for years. Other resident wishes being granted as part of the campaign include hot air ballooning, tank driving, a private tour of the Tate St Ives, and Exeter University's first female law society president going back to meet the current law society.

The retirement villages operator is also matching the amount raised by Jenny to donate to Hospiscare, as it is Millbrook Village's charity of the year.