Grandmother, 80, in cancer ward charity skydive

An 80-year-old grandmother has jumped out of a plane at 10,000ft (3km) to raise money for a hospital that supported her daughter after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Along with her 16-year-old grandson, Avril Abraham undertook the skydive on Monday, as part of a series of fundraising challenges for Warwick Hospital's Helen Clarke Suite, which cares after patients with breast cancer.

The family experienced a tumultuous year in 2024, as her husband of 58 years was also diagnosed with kidney cancer.

"It was very difficult watching my husband and daughter go through cancer at the same time. I thought if they can do that, I can do this challenge," she said.

As she prepared to take the plunge, the grandmother and avid swimmer felt "really calm", however, "the nerves kicked in when I saw my grandson going out of the plane".

She added: "The first drop was awful. I thought I was going to die, but when the parachute opened, I loved it – it was truly amazing."

Abraham carried a vial of her husband's ashes along so he could be with her throughout the jump.

Her daughter Sarah Allen, 53, from Studley, Warwickshire, was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in November 2024, when a spray tan led to her finding a lump.

The co-headteacher underwent three initial surgeries at the Helen Clarke Suite. This was followed by six months of chemotherapy, a single mastectomy with reconstruction, and a course of radiotherapy.

After witnessing her daughter endure the treatment, Abraham decided to raise money as part of her 80th birthday celebrations.

"They helped Sarah so much that she wants to give something back to the staff," she remarked.

At the same time, her husband Graham was facing his own health challenges after being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2020 and stage four kidney cancer in 2024. He died in December 2025.

The skydive is one of a series of events being carried out by a team of fundraisers, which also includes sponsored walks, cake sales and a half-marathon among others. So far, more than £9,500 has been raised.

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