Siblings’ skydive for Parkinson’s Ireland in memory of their father

Siblings Aoife and Callum O'Brien from Athlone have decided to undertake a skydive jump to raise funds for Parkinson's Association of Ireland in memory of their Dad Gary.

Gary passed away in April last year after suffering with Parkinson's for about 15 years. He loved sports and was a talented soccer player and golfer who often competed in competitions in America for Alkermes whom he previously worked for.

Aoife said she decided to get in contact with the charity to give something back as it's not funded. “It entered my mind back in March. I got a really strong feeling of just kind of doing something for the charity and because we'd seen Dad suffer with it for so long and how heartbreaking it is for families and individuals going through it.”

Aoife added: “There's not enough awareness around the illness to be honest so that's kind of why I we chose the charity.” The Athlone native said the skydive is about spreading awareness of the illness and making people aware of the supports available to them and how to liaise with other carers.

Aoife added that her Dad never complained and that he was full of humour on his bad days.

Speaking about how Gary would react to the charity skydive, Aoife said: “He would've been terrified of heights himself. He probably would think we're absolutely mental in the head for flinging ourselves off the side of a plane about 20,000 feet high but I'm sure he'll be with us on the day, hopefully, and that we'll have a safe land to earth. I'd say he'd be proud.”

The NUIG graduate also highlighted some helpful charities that her Dad utilised such as the Irish Wheelchair Association. “The Irish Wheelchair Association were absolutely amazing. They used to take Dad out. They used to come out to the house and he used to go out and meet other people. There was massive support there on on their behalf and they were amazing.”

The Master's student also said she feels that there should be more supports for those living with Parkinson's in the midlands.

Ahead of the skydive, the former Our Lady's Bower student said: “I won't be nervous until the night before or the morning of it and when I'm hovering off the side of the airplane.” Aoife added that it will be a great day for the family.

They have set a target of €10,000 for the fundraiser and have raised €2,000 in just one week. Aoife said: “The link has only been up a week so that's pretty good going. I don't know if we're going to reach it, even like the smallest bit that we can reach will make so much of a difference.”

Aoife and Callum will both complete the charity skydive on Saturday, August 19 at the headquarters of the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue.

To donate to the fundraiser click here