Torquay woman takes skydive plunge for Rowcroft Hospice in memory of late husband

A Torquay woman is taking to the skies for Rowcroft Hospice, in tribute to her late husband who tragically passed away from cancer several years ago.

Susan Cooper will be taking part in the skydive in Exeter at the start of May, alongside a friend and colleague of her husband, Justin Osbourne.

“I haven’t ever done anything like this before,” said Susan.

“I’ll have a go at most things, but I’ve got to be careful what I say because who knows what I’ll be roped into. I think I'd draw the line at caving.”

Susan is taking part in the jump to raise money for Rowcroft, who provided end-of-life care for her husband, Andrew Cooper.

A defence solicitor and partner at Woollcombe Beer Watts in Newton Abbot, Andrew spent much of his time working at the Magistrates' Courts, working to defend his clients. A respected member of both the legal and local community, Andrew Cooper was a committed father and husband.

Susan said: “He was an amazing man. He was very popular both at work and in his social life. He is very much missed by everyone.

“He loved his job, he wouldn't have done anything else and he had lots of tales to tell about his work and was really well respected by everyone.”

In 2005, Andrew was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“It’s one of the worst forms of cancer, the survival rate is not good but he managed to live for another seven years.”

For most of that time, Andrew lived a happy life, continuing to enjoy family holidays and help people through his work as a defence solicitor.

It wasn’t until Christmas of 2011 that Andrew’s health began to deteriorate, but despite several long and difficult operations, he remained upbeat and positive.

Susan said: “Throughout everything, he was amazing. I don’t know how he coped with it, he never complained and coped with the ordeal really well.

“I just feel I was blessed to have such a wonderful husband.”

During the last two weeks of his life, Rowcroft nurses came to the house and helped Andrew every step of the way.

Susan remembered: “He was nursed at home by Rowcroft for the last two weeks of his life, and they were absolutely brilliant. At the end, they were there during the day and throughout the night.

“Rowcroft and similar charities don’t get much money from the government so they really need people to donate or leave something in their will to keep the hospice going. I just wanted to give something back for all they did for our family.”

In 2012, Andrew Cooper passed away. He is remembered by his family, friends and colleagues, with his son following in his footsteps of becoming a solicitor at WBW.

The amazing treatment that Andrew received gave Susan the idea of the skydive fundraiser. So far, she has already raised over £1000 for Rowcroft Hospice.

She said: “Rowcroft and similar charities don’t get much money from the government so they really need people to donate or leave something in their will to keep the hospice going. I just wanted to give something back.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little apprehensive, but apparently people in their 90s make the jump, so I’m still relatively young to do it!”

She added: “I’ve had people say I’m brave for doing it, but I don’t think I am - I think that the people living with cancer are brave. If anything, I’m just a bit bonkers.”

To donate to Susan’s fundraiser, visit her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sg-cooper-1709117038298