A birthday gift to remember for skydiving grandad

A HARROGATE granddad is set to celebrate his 70th birthday freefalling from 15,000ft thanks to a surprise present from his son.
Early this year grandfather-of-six, Martin Shuker, had chatted to family about how he had always wanted to take part in a skydive.
But he was not prepared when son Rob, 36, also from Harrogate, called his bluff and organised for him to achieve this dream as a surprise 70th birthday present.
Martin, who celebrated his milestone birthday recently, said: “At the back of my mind it was something I had always wanted to do but I wouldn’t say I was leaping to do it.
“He definitely surprised me and I am looking forward to it, especially since it is for such a wonderful charity.
“Plus I think Rob needs someone to show him how it is done.”
When Martin and Rob take part in their first ever tandem skydive on Saturday August 4, they will be helping Saint Michael’s Hospice rise to the challenge of raising the £3.8million needed in 2012 to sustain services.
Rob said: “I am a fundraiser for Saint Michael’s so I see every day the vital difference the care and support we offer makes to lives of people across the Harrogate district living with terminal illness and bereavement.
“Skydiving is a great way to do something different, achieve something amazing and make an extraordinary difference to the lives of people at a very difficult time in their lives.”
Places for the August 4 skydive are filling fast so interested individuals are urged to get in touch soon
Registration costs £95 and every skydiver is required to raise minimum sponsorship of £300 for Saint Michael’s.
Alternative dates can be arranged for anyone wanting to skydive for Saint Michael’s but who is unable to make the August date.
To find out more about Saint Michael’s skydives or other challenge events go online to saintmichaelshospice.org or call (01423) 879 687.