Alfreton Woman Takes To Skies In Memory Of Niece
An Alfreton aunt is taking on a daring challenge in memory of her niece who died last year aged 16.
On Saturday 10 May, Natalie Bryan will take on a skydive, freefalling 10,000ft at speeds of up to 120mph. She is raising funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, who provided End of Life care for her niece, Rubie Evans.
Rubie was born with Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects metabolism. She died in July 2024.
“Rubie fought so hard throughout her life, and she amazed us all. She made us proud every single day and no matter what, she had a beautiful smile on her face,” said Natalie. “She is very much loved and will always be remembered for her fighting spirit, her sass, and the occasional victory. There definitely will never be another Rubie.
“Sadly, Rubie couldn’t really do very much. She couldn’t walk or talk but she was always happy. We were told she would never make it until she was 16, but she proved everyone wrong. In the end the fight was just too much for her.
“She went to Rainbows for End-of-Life care and Rubie seemed to have a new lease of life there; loving music therapy and massages. And everyone at Rainbows was so welcoming and so kind and caring.
“Rainbows is still supporting us, Rubie’s family. We have been to coffee mornings and also made a glass leaf in the Remembrance Garden.”
Natalie (43) signed up for the Skydive at Langer Airfield in what she describes as a moment of madness. “Honestly I am terrified,” she said. “It kept popping up on Facebook and I signed up. It is pushing me out of my comfort zone a bit. But I keep telling myself I am doing it for Rubie. Rainbows just couldn’t do enough for our family so to raise money, was just a no brainer.”
Natalie is a Teaching Assistant at Christ the King Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Alfreton, and they have also raised over £700 for Rainbows through various activities including a “Toast Club”.
Claire Hoggan, Rainbows Senior Events Officer, said: “What Natalie is doing for Rainbows is incredible and we hope she has a fantastic experience. Thank you to everyone who has supported her, ensuring we can continue providing care to young people like Rubie, as well as babies and children. Thank you also to everyone at the school who supports Rainbows, we really couldn’t do what we do without you.”
To sponsor Natalie, visit Natalie Bryan is fundraising for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
To take on the next Rainbows Skydive in July, visit rainbows.co.uk/fundraise/events/skydive-for-rainbows-july
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Protecting Students from Cyber Crime and Fraud: The University Student Guide As thousands of students prepare to start or return to university this autumn, fraudsters and cyber crim read more | |
| Belper care home residents thank firefighters who kept them safe during dramatic chapel fire Residents and staff at a Derbyshire care home welcomed local firefighters for a special read more | |
| Derby College Group welcomes new students in style at Freshers' Fair 2026 Derby College Group (DCG) rolled out the red carpet for new students this month, with Freshers' Fair 2026 t read more | |
| Three community groups share funding from Alfreton and Somercotes funeral directors Three community projects supporting local children, families and people experiencing bereavement read more | |
| Halloween Themed Open Day to Raise Funds for Derby College Group's Animal Unit Families are invited to a fang-tastic day out at Broomfield Hall this October, as Derby College Group' read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Pottery Close Halloween Event Taking a Break This Year The popular Halloween event at Pottery Close will not take place this year, as the organisers have not had enough time to prep read more | |
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
