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  • Blog
  • September 22 2026

“If I’m going to do a skydive, I’m definitely doing it for Raystede”

When Ella Beckham decided to celebrate her 21st birthday by jumping out of a plane, there was only one charity she wanted to support.

Ella had always dreamed of doing a skydive and in April 2026, she decided it was finally time to take the plunge – quite literally.

“I've always wanted to do a skydive, even from a really young age. And I think 21 is quite a big birthday. So, I thought, why not?”

But Ella knew that if she was going to take on such a huge challenge, she wanted it to mean something and for Ella, Raystede has been part of her life for many years.

A lifelong connection to Raystede


“I used to go to Raystede when I was a kid with my Nan and Grandad all the time,” Ella explains.

It wasn’t until many years later, following the loss of her beloved cat Solo, that Ella discovered another side of Raystede, our pet crematorium, Peaceways.

Solo had been rescued by Ella’s nan as a kitten after being found alone in the woods, hence his name. He eventually became part of Ella’s family and was her constant companion.

“He used to follow me everywhere. He was just the sweetest little thing in the world.”

Solo lived to the remarkable age of 18. When Ella visited Peaceways after his death, the compassion she experienced stayed with her.

“The compassion that I received there was just incredible. It was when I was there that I thought, ‘if I’m going to do a skydive, I’m definitely doing it for Raystede.’”


Taking on the challenge


Ella set herself the challenge of completing a 10,000-feet tandem skydive and raising money for animals in Raystede’s care.

As her fundraising got underway, she found herself even more motivated to reach her target of £1,100.

“When I received my fundraising pack, I'd only gotten halfway to my target and the letter said what this amount could do at Raystede. That just made me want to push to get even more money because there are so many animals in need.”

For Ella, stepping outside her comfort zone was a small price to pay for helping animals who have no choice about the situations they find themselves in.

“I think people should go out of their comfort zone to support animals, because they don't have a voice. They can't help the situations they're put in. I feel sometimes you have to be their voice because they can't tell us what's wrong.”

Taking on the challenge


Ella set herself the challenge of completing a 10,000-feet tandem skydive and raising money for animals in Raystede’s care.

As her fundraising got underway, she found herself even more motivated to reach her target of £1,100.

“When I received my fundraising pack, I'd only gotten halfway to my target and the letter said what this amount could do at Raystede. That just made me want to push to get even more money because there are so many animals in need.”

For Ella, stepping outside her comfort zone was a small price to pay for helping animals who have no choice about the situations they find themselves in.

“I think people should go out of their comfort zone to support animals, because they don't have a voice. They can't help the situations they're put in. I feel sometimes you have to be their voice because they can't tell us what's wrong.”

The moment of truth


Then came the big day.

Flying at over 10,000 feet above the ground, Ella knew there was only one thing left to do.

“I remember taking off and at that point I thought, there’s no turning back, and the only way to get out of the plane was to jump.”

“All of a sudden, I was falling and that was the best experience of my life. I loved it, especially knowing people had chosen to sponsor me and that the money raised was going to a great cause. I will be doing it again!”

Could you take the leap for Raystede's animals?


Ella’s story shows that taking on a challenge can be about so much more than pushing yourself.

Whether you’re looking to conquer a fear, make a memory, honour a loved one or treasured pet or simply do something extraordinary for animals, why not take on the ultimate adrenaline experience?

And you don’t have to wait for a big birthday to take on your own challenge. This Christmas, you could follow in Ella’s footsteps and take to the skies for Raystede and the animals in our care.

Our Christmas Skydive gives you the chance to experience the incredible thrill of a 10,000-feet tandem skydive while raising vital funds to help animals who need us.

Join #TeamRaystede and turn your challenge into something that could help support animals in need.

Could you take the leap for Raystede's animals?


Ella’s story shows that taking on a challenge can be about so much more than pushing yourself.

Whether you’re looking to conquer a fear, make a memory, honour a loved one or treasured pet or simply do something extraordinary for animals, why not take on the ultimate adrenaline experience?

And you don’t have to wait for a big birthday to take on your own challenge. This Christmas, you could follow in Ella’s footsteps and take to the skies for Raystede and the animals in our care.

Our Christmas Skydive gives you the chance to experience the incredible thrill of a 10,000-feet tandem skydive while raising vital funds to help animals who need us.

Join #TeamRaystede and turn your challenge into something that could help support animals in need.

Feeling inspired?

Christmas Skydive Skydive on a day of your choice