Derbyshire CEO faces fear for Rainbows

The CEO of a Derbyshire trust who is “absolutely terrified of heights” plans to jump 10,000 feet from an aeroplane to raise money for Rainbows.

Sean McClafferty, CEO of St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, hopes to raise £1,000 for us.

On Sunday 13th October, Sean, who is based at the trust in Derby, will scale new heights to take on this incredible challenge at Langar Airfield. “I am absolutely terrified of heights. I can’t even climb up a ladder to put the Christmas lights up so this is a really big thing for me,” said Sean. 

“Obviously the Trust is supporting Rainbows for the next two years and so many people are getting involved by doing amazing things. So I wanted to do something that I know will be a challenge to me and support such a wonderful charity.

“Three years ago I lost my wife to cancer and when she was really poorly, she did a fundraising skydive. I thought to myself that if she could do it when she was going through chemotherapy, then I can do it. I would like to thank everyone who is supporting me.”

In January, the trust announced its charity partnership with Rainbows and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, in Sheffield. The multi academy trust, which was formed in September 2018, is made up of 25 schools across five local authorities. It has pledged to fundraise for the children’s hospices for its first two years.

Ali Furlong, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “For Sean to take on this challenge with his fear of heights is an incredible feat. We couldn’t run our hospice without our fundraisers and on behalf of everyone at Rainbows, I wish him the best of luck.”

To sponsor Sean, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/srsrainbowsskydive