Best Friends Sky Dive in Memory of Son

Best friends Matt Hanton and Liam Weeks celebrated their 30th birthdays in March by jumping out of a plane while on holiday in Dubai to raise money for charity.

However this parachute jump had particular poignancy for Matt as it was raising money for a fund at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) which helps parents who have suffered the loss of a baby at birth.

On the 6th July 2010, Matt and Amy Hanton’s little boy Toby Joe Hanton was born into the world but did not open his tiny eyes.

Toby’s father Matt explained why they decided to use the parachute jump to raise funds: ‘Through the grief and heartbreak that followed, one charity shone through for our little star. The Infant Funeral Fund, (part of the hospital charity), organised the funeral of Toby sorting out everything from the plot at Colney to the petite coffin. Their assistance during this painful time allowed us to mourn the loss of our son’.

Matt added, ‘Following a conversation with Amy, we decided to use the skydiving experience to raise as much money as we can for the Infant Funeral Fund and we are so pleased to have raised £1,700, which will go to help other parents who find themselves in this situation.’

Pauline Greasley, NNUH Hospital Chaplain said: “We are so sorry for Matt and Amy’s loss and incredibly grateful for their support.”

For further information about Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and to find out how to support the charity, please call 01603 287107 or visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk