Severn Business Network members prepare for 10,000-foot charity challenge

Three prominent business leaders from Shrewsbury's Severn Business Network are set to literally take a leap of faith on 28th August 2025, jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet to raise vital funds for Severn Hospice.

Chris Beane, Divisional Director at Howden Insurance Local UK, Lucy Murphy, Owner and Director of Soul Sanctuary in Shrewsbury, and Stephanie Henson, Director of Six Ticks and The Digital Wellbeing Company, will all be taking part in tandem skydives to support the hospice's extraordinary work across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

A Cause Close to Their Hearts

For all three participants, supporting Severn Hospice represents more than just a fundraising challenge. The hospice provides vital care and support to families living with incurable illness, offering comfort, dignity and peace during the most difficult times, completely free of charge.

"Severn Hospice provides outstanding care and compassion to people and families during some of the most challenging times in their lives," explains Chris Beane, who also serves as Charity Co-Ordinator for Severn Business Network. "Their work is nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm proud to be taking on this challenge in support of them."

Chris admits his original plan was to 'co-ordinate' others to do the jumping while he cheered from the ground, but somehow found himself signed up for the terrifying challenge. "As someone who has never willingly leapt from a perfectly good aircraft before, I can confirm that the nerves are very real," he laughs.

Making Every Donation Count

Stephanie emphasises how donations will directly impact the hospice's ability to continue their essential services. "Every donation, big or small, will go directly to Severn Hospice and help them continue offering their essential services," she explains.

The impact of donations is significant:

• £10 could fund a family support session
• £25 could pay for an hour of nursing care
• £50 could help cover the cost of a home visit

"They support not just patients, but their loved ones too, making sure nobody faces loss alone," adds Stephanie. "They do all this free of charge and rely heavily on fundraising to keep going."

Jenny Bean, Severn Hospice Corporate Fundraiser, said: 

“We are so grateful to Chris, Lucy and Stephanie who are taking their fundraising to new heights and wish them luck for the big day. It means so much to us that the care and support we’ve given to some of the network’s loved ones has inspired them to raise funds for us as their chosen charity – and this is the most extreme and courageous challenge yet!

At a time when the costs of providing our services continues to rise, their dedication ensures we can continue to provide free and compassionate care for local families when they need it most.”

Overcoming Fear for a Greater Purpose

Lucy acknowledges the challenge ahead while focusing on the bigger picture. "This isn't just about jumping out of a plane (terrifying as that is!) it's about showing up for people when they need it most," she says.

All three participants are asking the local business community and wider public to support their fundraising efforts through their individual JustGiving pages.

About Severn Business Network

Severn Business Network is a not-for-profit business networking group based in Shrewsbury, bringing together local business professionals to support each other and contribute to worthy causes in their community.

To support the skydiving trio's fundraising efforts for Severn Hospice, donations can be made through their individual JustGiving pages. 

Support Chris: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-beane-4

Support Lucy: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucy-murphy-1 

Support Steph: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stephanie-henson