On a cloudy July morning, with nerves running high, Charlotte and Danielle took on the challenge of a lifetime: a skydive in memory of their cousin Leonie Botten, who passed away from secondary spread breast cancer at the age of 29.
“Leonie was a big personality and a much-loved member of the family, leaving a space that can never be filled. We wanted to do something bold, something that captured her spirit and raise funds to support others in her memory. A skydive felt like the perfect way to honour her memory, a mix of courage, fear, and joy, just like life itself.”
The Build-Up
Charlotte & Danielle arrived at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent just after 7am, travelling with their parents. Waiting to cheer them on was their Auntie Sue, Leonie’s mum.
Their jump could have been called at any time from 7:30am, so after signing in, they joined the safety briefing. They practised the body positions needed for exiting the plane and landing, nervously laughing through the instructions as reality began to set in.
“The weather had other plans though, and with cloud cover overhead, we had to wait.” While the hours clicked by, they spent time with their family, sharing memories of Leonie. “Friends came along too, offering encouragement that lifted our spirits.”
Finally, after a long wait, the skies cleared, and at 2pm their moment had arrived.
The Jump
Suited up and paired with their instructors, Henk with Charlotte and Joe with Danielle, they boarded the plane. “Both men were calm, reassuring, and kind, doing everything they could to settle our nerves. As the plane climbed, we passed 7,000 feet and could see as far as Beachy Head and even across to France. By the time we reached 12,000 feet, the door was open, the light turned green, and there was no turning back.”
Danielle jumped first, with Charlotte following seconds later. “The free fall lasted around 40 heart-stopping seconds. The rush was unlike anything we had ever experienced before. Then the parachute opened, and relief washed over us. Floating under the canopy was peaceful, almost serene. It was in that moment that we felt Leonie closest to us. We spoke to her, carried her in our thoughts, and knew she was with us.”
Landing Safely
Landing SafelyBack on the ground with the adrenaline still coursing through them, they hugged, laughed, and even waved to their Dad, who had been watching anxiously below.
When they finally rejoined their Mum and Auntie Sue, the relief and pride on their faces said it all. “We had done it, for Leonie, and for the cause that carries her name forward.”
That evening, they returned home to a family BBQ and shared their story with their children, who couldn’t quite believe what their mums had been brave enough to do!
“Would we do it again? Quite possibly! But what matters most is that we did it for Leonie. Every second of that jump was for her, and we know she would have been proud of us, probably laughing at our nerves, but cheering us on all the same.”
“We’re so grateful for the support of everyone who donated, encouraged us, and stood by us. This wasn’t just a skydive, it was a tribute to a beautiful soul, a celebration of her life, and a way to help others in her name.”
Leonie’s brother, Jamie is also fundraising with Against Breast Cancer. You can support him with his fundraising or read his story on our website.
If you would like to support Against Breast Cancer with fundraising and taking part in an event, you can check out what we have available here.