FROM the age of 11 daredevil Molly Blake has wanted to complete a parachute jump and next month she will get the chance.
Molly, a Year 12 student at Haslingden High School, will be raising money in memory of former student Matthew Densfield, who had a heart defect as a result of genetic condition, DiGeorge Syndrome, and sadly died in March aged 20.
Molly, 17, from Baxenden said: “Matthew is my best friend’s relative and he used to play in the school bands. I also used to play in the school wind band.”
Matthew was an accomplished drummer and also played with Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band and Wingates Brass Band. He was studying music in Leeds and had been in Manchester Royal Infirmary after a third heart operation.
Molly said: “While Matthew was in hospital his family was able to stay in a Ronald McDonald House, which provides self-contained accommodation for the families of patients. It is amazing.
“I wanted to raise a bit of money because I was so close to Matthew and I have always wanted to do a sky dive.”
Molly said she loves white knuckle rides and roller coasters and has been determined to do a sky dive since she was about 11.
In August, she will be jumping from 10,000 to 15,000ft in tandem with an instructor from Black Knights at Cockerham.
Molly arranged for sponsorship forms to be placed in school and has an online JustGiving page. So far has raised £685 of her £730 target.
She said: “Family, friends, staff and students from school have all sponsored me. I love anything adrenaline and I can’t wait.
“When Matthew was in the hospital he texted me and I wished him good luck, he said he was going down for the operation and he would see me when he came out of hospital. Sadly he suffered complications.
“Matthew was so talented. Everyone loved Matthew and no one ever had a bad word to say about him because he was such a nice guy.”
Molly added she was sure Matthew would have supported her and approved of her fundraising plans.