The best friend of a paramedic who died in a motorbike crash two days before she was due to take part in a charity skydive has completed the jump in her memory.
Stevenage-based paramedic Vicky Lovelace-Collins was riding a motorbike when she was involved in a crash with a car in Lonsdale Road in Stevenage, at the junction with Webb Rise, on September 5.
The 37-year-old, who had been a paramedic for 15 years, was airlifted to hospital but died two days later.
She died two days before she was due to face one of her biggest fears and do a tandem skydive to raise money for Letchworth-based Garden House Hospice Care, in recognition of her father’s brave battle with leukaemia, which he lost in May.
On Sunday, Vicky’s best friend Toni Harvey completed the skydive in her name and more than £12,350 has been raised for the hospice.
Toni said: “I have never wanted to do a skydive and I was very nervous because I am scared of heights, but I knew I needed to do it to honour Vicky’s challenge and try to raise as much money as possible for the hospice.
“The hospice was something close to Vicky and her family’s hearts. They not only supported Michael, but also the family.”
A special bear made from Vicky’s paramedic uniform also completed the jump, tucked safely inside Toni’s skydiving suit.
Toni said: “It was made out of Vicky’s shirt. I wanted something of Vicky’s to jump with me, as if she was still doing it.
“I hope she would be proud. I know deep down she would have loved it.
“It was an absolute honour to do it for Vicky and for her family.
“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored the skydive and helped raise this amazing amount.”
Toni also completed a fire walk at Needham House Hotel in Little Wymondley on November 2 - another event Vicky had signed up to in aid of the hospice.
Vicky, who stood as a Green Party candidate for Pin Green in this year’s Stevenage elections, described herself as “passionate about the planet, animal welfare, and a fairer society for all”. Toni said: “She was a kind, honest, loyal, reliable, caring, funny, crazy, beautiful person.
“She is missed by loads of people and has left a massive hole in all of our lives. We love and miss you Vicky.”
You can still make a donation at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/vickylovelace-collins1
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