A MOTHER’S skydive has helped raise funds for a hospital research unit in the name of a family friend who died in his 20s.

After completing the skydive this summer, Sandra Williams, of Elderfield, Letchworth GC, visited Lister Hospital’s Renal Unit last week with an �800 donation for the Lee Haynes Renal Research Institute, named after the 25-year-old drummer from Letchworth GC who died following complications with his kidneys.

Sandra’s efforts, even though she is scared of heights, take the total towards the research unit to over �41,000 since fundraising began four years ago – �9,000 short of the �50,000 needed to open the centre.

Speaking at the presentation, Sandra, who is a long time friend of Lee’s mother Sue Williams, said: “My son Ben was Lee’s best friend all through school. Lee spent a lot of time at our house and we loved him dearly. He was part of the family.

“Sue is an inspiration, such an amazing woman, and I just had to do something. It was an experience I shall never forget and I was honoured to do this in memory of our dear friend Lee.”

Sue Williams, of Stonnells Close in the town, added: “It’s great that Sandra did this for Lee – I’m so proud of her.

“I couldn’t change what had happened so I decided to try and make a difference by fundraising to help Paul Warwicker, Lee’s consultant, achieve his goal of opening a research unit.

“With help of family and friends we’ve now raised over �41,000 in our spare time, I can never thank them enough for all their hard work.”

To make a donation towards the Lee Haynes Renal Research Institute visit www.justgiving.com/leehaynes