Stonehaven mum completes 10,000ft skydive for daughter with spina bifida

Abby McDonald's daughter, Bella was diagnosed seven years ago.

By Ross Hempseed

March 2 2024, 12:30 pm

Anny McDonald takes on 10,000ft skydive for charity. Image: SBH Scotland.

A Stonehaven mum has completed a 10,000ft skydive to raise money in support of her daughter with spina bifida.

Abby McDonald, whose seven-year-old daughter Bella has had spina bifida and hydrocephalus since birth, has raised vital funds for the charity that has helped them through tough times.

The Stonehaven mum-of-three took to the skies in aid of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland.

Abby said the experience of falling from the sky at nearly 120mph was “absolutely amazing”.

She said: “When we jumped, we managed to catch the sunset, which was stunning.

“It was a lifelong dream come true and better than I could ever have imagined.

“I’m so proud of myself and hope to return soon to jump again.”

Abby McDonald’s three children – the youngest of which, Bella, was diagnosed with spina bifida before she was born. Image: SBH Scotland

The tandem freefall parachute jump, which took place in Auchterarder, raised nearly £1,800 to repay the “immeasurable” support SBH has given the family.

Abby recalled the moment she was given the news that her daughter most likely had a life-altering illness.

She said: “It was quite a shock being told your unborn baby has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

“You’re instantly full of fear, guilt, and lots of questions, which SBH Scotland answered for us.

‘Big learning curve’ after daughter diagnosed with spina bifida

“We didn’t know what the disabilities were, so it was a big learning curve for my husband and I but being introduced to SBH Scotland was great – to have the help and support at such a crucial time was very comforting.”

The funds raised from the charity skydive will go towards providing personalised support to families affected by lifelong, complex conditions like spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

SBH has to raise £1.4 million each year to provide its services.

Deborah Roe, director of fundraising of SBH Scotland, said: “Our mission is to make sure that all our members feel secure in managing their conditions and that they are empowered to be as independent as possible.

“All donations positively impact children, young people and adults affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus so we’re extremely grateful to Abby and all the people who donated to her challenge.”