Aimee Ballantyne, 16, is set to skydive at Sibson Airfield near Peterborough on April 30 to raise money for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.
Aimee was inspired to take on the jump after watching a documentary about Mark Ormrod MBE, who in 2007 lost three limbs after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
Aimee’s dad Garry, who is ex-forces, contacted Mark and asked if he would sign a copy of his book ‘Man Down’ for her. Mark not only sent her a copy of his book, but he also sent a signed poster, and spoke with Aimee over face time.
We reached out to Mark to let him know that Aimee was planning to sky dive, he was so pleased to hear she was fundraising and said:
“Good luck Aimee! You’ll be great!”
Mark Ormrod MBE
Despite the pandemic cutting off many traditional fundraising routes, she has smashed every fundraising target to date. Adapting to the situation, Aimee has sold bags of Scottish tablet and held two bingo nights, with one earlier this month hosting over 90 people on Zoom.
“She is quite scared but also very excited.
“Aimee has one of the biggest hearts that I have ever known in a child and she never thinks about herself.
“She’s always thinking about other people and that’s what I love about her.”
Lynette, Aimee’s mum, speaking to Northamptonshire Telegraph.
Aimee’s dad, Gary, has not been able to escape her determination to fundraise and recently lost his eyebrows to support his daughter. Gary had his eyebrows waxed off during a fundraising evening that honoured the life of a friend that lost his life in Afghanistan.
Thank you, Aimee, for displaying so many commando qualities. An outstanding achievement and effort for the Royal Marines Family.
To support Aimee’s fundraising, visit her fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aimee-ballantyne