Man, 80, skydives in memory of son killed in crash

John Cassidy, pictured with wife Clare, said the efforts of air ambulance crews gave them valuable days with their son John-Paul before he died

An 80-year-old man is set to dive from a plane in memory of his son to raise funds for air ambulance crews.

John Cassidy from Coventry will take the plunge on 28 January at Nottingham Airfield.

His son, John-Paul, died in 2018 after a car he was travelling in on the M62 near Goole was hit by an HGV with faulty brakes.

Mr Cassidy said the efforts of air ambulance crews and medics granted family and friends extra time to visit the 37-year-old in Hull Royal Infirmary.

"He and our family and friends were able to spend those nine days with him before he passed away,” said Mr Cassidy. "So we're very grateful to them."

John-Paul had planned to get married to his fiancee the following year.

A haulage boss and lorry driver were jailed in 2021 for their parts in causing the crash, which also led to the death of Nigel Eley, 41.

'Amazing achievement'

Mr Cassidy decided to challenge himself to raise funds for his local Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) service.

"I don't feel any fear whatsoever," he said.

"I feel a bit nervous for God's sake, I mean I'm no spring chicken. But I'm going for it.

"The air ambulance - because of their professionalism and their care - they got him to Hull Infirmary," he added.

"They receive no government or National Lottery funding and rely on the support from the local community to raise the vital funds needed."

WNAA executive Amy Worthington thanked Mr Cassidy for his contribution and praised his "tremendous bravery and determination".

"What an amazing achievement for him to be able to say that he completed a skydive at 80 years old,” she added.

Donations to Mr Cassidy's online fundraiser have surpassed £800.