A Ramsgate teenager will be hurling himself out of a plane to raise money for Pilgrims Hospice in memory of his brother.
Mackenzie-lee Bussey – best known as Kenzie – will take on the challenge at Headcorn airfield on September 8 when he will skydive from 12,000ft.
The 16-year-old is raising funds for Pilgrims Hospice in memory of his brother Reece Flannigan who passed away at the Margate hospice in August 2022 when he was just 21.
Reece was diagnosed in 2021 with rare Ewing Sarcoma cancer, which affects bones or the tissue around bones.
He had undergone radiotherapy and an operation to remove the cancer from his spine and it was thought he was clear of the disease.
But a fortnight after returning home Reece again had terrible pain in his hip and was eventually forced to go to hospital to have it checked. A body scan and follow-up appointment confirmed metastases – secondary malignant growths – which doctors said was terminal.
Sadly Reece passed away at the Margate hospice on August 18, 2022.
Royal Harbour Academy student Kenzie is now raising money for the hospice to thank them for their care.
He said: “I’m doing the sky dive to raise money for Pilgrims Hospice because my brother Reece had Ewing sarcoma and he lost his battle to it on the 18th August, 2022. He was only 21.
“He stayed in the hospice for only a few hours but in those few hours they were absolutely great with him and us his family. Every year we do a walk and ride in memory of Reece and our money goes to the Pilgrims hospice.
“I saw the skydive and thought right I’m going to do this for him so that’s why I’m doing the skydive, for my brother and the money raised will go to the Pilgrims hospice
“I’m terrified of heights so I will be scared but it’s for a good cause so you just have to push yourself to do it.”
Kenzie has set a £1,000 fundraising target.
Leave a Reply