A man is taking on a skydive in memory of his wife who passed away after suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Joan ‘Cathe’ Wood passed away at the age of 72 in June last year after living with the disease for 10 years.

She lived in Church Farm Close, Hoo St Werburgh, with her husband Martin and previously worked at Hundred of Hoo Nursery and Kids Club.

Cathe, who was born in Gravesend, was described by her husband as an active lady who enjoyed crafting and making things for her two grandchildren.

As his wife’s health deteriorated, Martin was able work from home to care for her with the support of a carer.

The 59-year-old now plans to do a skydive on Saturday, September 7, to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

He said: “Cathe was a fiercely independent person and lived with Parkinson’s with great determination and dignity.

“Living with Parkinson’s requires taking different forms of medication which for Cathe meant an increasing number of tablets, up to 14 in a 24-hour period, then progressing to pumped medication directly fed via a tube into her stomach.

“Holidays had to be carefully planned with one type of medication Cathe was taking which had to kept below a certain temperature. On one holiday flying to Guernsey, the medication had to be carried in a cool bag onto the aeroplane with an accompanying letter.

“Cathe was susceptible to infections which had to be dealt with quickly because any infection reduced the effectiveness of medication and heightened the symptoms of her Parkinson’s.

“I will be doing a 10,000ft tandem skydive at the Headcorn Aerodrome in her memory to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and to raise awareness of this condition.

“If you are able to donate, however large or small, to make a difference to those living with Parkinson’s, it will be very much appreciated.”

If you would like to donate to the cause and support Mr Wood in his efforts, visit his JustGiving page.

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