News

On 24^th June 2023, 13 members of the Fisk Group team will be taking part in a skydive in memory of Compliance Manager, Dawn Coleman’s mum, Sue, who sadly passed away recently after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

All funds will go towards supporting the amazing work of Farleigh Hospice who supported Sue, Dawn and her family during the most difficult of times. The funding will help Farleigh Hospice continue with the incredible work that they do to support families dealing with the same or similar situations.

Any amount you can give, no matter how big or small, will really make a difference to Farleigh Hospice and mean the world to Dawn, her family and our team. Simply visit our JustGiving page, where you can donate and read more about Dawn, her mum and family’s story.

Who’s taking part in the skydive?

We’re hoping for clear skies as 13 of us – including members of our business support team, engineers, managers and a director jump out of a plane on 24^th June.

Donning their parachutes are Dawn Coleman, Lauren Gibson, Tina Pimlott, James Moughton, Richie Said, Josh Blanche, Dan Gibson, Dave Brant, Oliver Mahoney, Mason Parker, Liam Morton, Georgina Plumb and Isaac Bowers.

Sue and Dawn’s story

Sadly, Dawn’s mum, Sue, was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer with Ascites in June 2021. Her diagnosis was a huge shock to Sue and her family as she had always been fit, active and independent. However, right from the start, the illness was incredibly tough. She started chemotherapy quickly after her diagnosis but, as we all know, cancer can be very unpredictable.

Speaking about her mum’s incredible strength and bravery throughout, Dawn shares:

“The whole journey was a rollercoaster. Mum was an inspiration throughout, though. She never complained. We would tell her how strong and brave she was, and her response was always ‘I don’t have much choice.’ There’s always a choice though. Mum chose to fight, and that she did.”

We supported Dawn as best as we could, but the months that followed were really tough on Sue. Although she had some good days, the treatment was gruelling. Most days were spent recovering from chemotherapy or at the hospital. Dawn and her family became regulars at Broomfield, Basildon, Maldon, and Southend Hospitals.

Sue fought long and hard to beat the illness, but sadly, after many treatments, her body could no longer cope, and in September 2022 it was agreed that it was time for her to be ‘made comfortable.’ At this point, Sue, Dawn and her family were referred to Farleigh Hospice.

Forever grateful to Farleigh Hospice

The team at Farleigh Hospice were amazing. They came and spoke with Sue to offer support and find out what her wishes were. A plan was then put in place to help Sue be where she wanted to be, at home.

Farleigh Hospice ordered all the equipment needed for a return home – a bed, oxygen machines etc… to make Sue’s wishes possible. As it would take a week for everything to arrive, they even sourced a bed for Dawn and her sisters to sleep on at the hospital as up to that point, they had been sleeping on a ‘make-shift’ bed by placing two chairs together.

On 29^th September 2022, Sue came home, with Farleigh Hospice carers taking over her care. Remembering just how lovely they were, Dawn shares:

“Mum loved seeing and chatting to them. They were all so friendly, helpful, and caring, making sure that she was ok and comfortable and that we were coping as a family.”

This level of support was invaluable during Sue’s last few weeks.

Sue was determined to celebrate her 50^th wedding anniversary to Dawn’s dad on 21^st October 2022, which she did just over a week before passing peacefully away surrounded by family on Saturday 29^th October 2022.

Supporting Farleigh Hospice

As a team, we cannot thank Farleigh Hospice enough for the support and care they gave Sue, Dawn and her family.

We all know that Dawn is a self-confessed adrenalin junkie, but we didn’t know just how many of the team were too. When she suggested a charity skydive in memory of her mum, there was absolutely no hesitation as so many of us said, “sign me up, I’m in”.

We know it will be an emotional day but also one full of hope and gratitude as we all say a heartfelt thanks to Farleigh Hospice in memory of the lovely Sue.

Please give what you can to support our team fundraising for Farleigh Hospice – all donations are gratefully received.

Thank you from everyone at Fisk Group, Dawn’s family and Farleigh Hospice!