Sandown, Isle of Wight – On Tuesday, 6th August, Loren Tutty, 41, took to the skies from Sandown Airport and leapt from 10,000ft, raising over £3000 for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. This remarkable feat was performed in memory of Stephen Tutty and in support of the charity chosen as Top Mops Limited’s Charity of the Year.
Stephen Tutty, the father of Mark Tutty, Founder and Managing Director of Top Mops and Loren’s husband, tragically passed away on Boxing Day 2019. Despite the valiant efforts of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance team, Stephen succumbed to his illness. The heroic attempts made by the air ambulance team that day left a lasting impression on Mark and Loren, igniting their desire to support the service in Stephen’s memory.
Mark Tutty shared, “The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance played a crucial role during a dire time for our family. Their dedication and professionalism were awe-inspiring, and we wanted to give back to this vital service that means so much to us.”
Loren faced some delays due to rain on the morning of her jump, but the skies cleared by afternoon, allowing the first plane to take off at 2pm. Loren took the leap at 5:30pm, marking a significant moment in her fundraising journey.
Reflecting on her experience, Loren said, “My father-in-law was taken ill on Boxing Day 2019, and the air ambulance was called. The paramedics were like trained athletes when they came through the front door. They immediately worked on him and brought him round. Sadly, he passed away some time later. I’m also doing this for Betsy Rose Riley, my friend Leanda Collins’ daughter. Betsy Rose was born at just 25 weeks, and although the air ambulance couldn’t get there because it was on another emergency, their story serves as a poignant reminder of why our support is crucial.”
Loren has raised £3024 to date, including Gift Aid, for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. The service requires an average of £13,000 a day to run, with each mission costing approximately £3,500. The funds raised by Loren’s sky dive contribute significantly to sustaining this essential service.
“We are incredibly proud of Loren’s bravery and commitment,” said Mark Tutty. “Her efforts not only honour Stephen’s memory but also support the air ambulance in saving more lives.”
To help increase this total and cover the cost of at least one mission, Loren’s Just Giving page remains open for donations. Those wishing to contribute can do so by visiting: Loren’s Just Giving Page
About Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance:
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance provides an essential service, offering immediate medical attention and rapid transportation for those in critical need across the region. Funded entirely by charitable donations, the service is a lifeline for many and relies on the generosity of the public to continue its life-saving work.