A DEVOTED mother took to the skies to raise funds in memory of her son ahead of what would have been his 18th birthday. 

Elaine Byrne, from Weymouth, took part in a skydive in memory of her son Seán Entwistle who sadly died in April this year at the age of 17 following a battle with rare cancer Burkitt’s lymphoma.

He would have turned 18 on November 1. 

As part of a series of fundraising events, Elaine leaped a terrifying 10,000ft from a plane with Seán’s girlfriend Eboni and friend Ami Stewart last Friday to raise money for Gully’s Place which provided a private room for Seán during his final week in Dorset County Hospital. 

Elaine said: “It was absolutely amazing. 

“It’s scary when you first jump out the plane and you’re falling at around 125mph. I couldn’t breathe until the parachute came out, but it was totally amazing.”

As well as braving great heights, Elaine and a group of family and friends took part in a sponsored walk from Portland to the Wyke Smugglers pub last Saturday as part of their fundraising efforts. 

This was followed by a day of entertainment in the pub including music from Matt Black, 'Play Your Cards Right' with Brett Paddock, a children’s disco, photo booth, raffle and cake sale. 

Around 400 people attended the event throughout the day to remember Seán and donate to the cause. 

More than 130 prizes were donated towards the raffle which raised a total of £1,092. Elaine chose to donate this to the Kingfisher Ward in DCH. 

A combined total of funds raised with the skydive, sponsored walk, JustGiving page and collection points meant the team raised more than £4,200 for Gully’s Place. 

Elaine added: “I am so grateful to everyone that has helped organise the event, donated and baked cakes for the sale. 

“We’ve had so much support. Seán should still be here, celebrating his 18th birthday. He shouldn’t be gone, but I’m very grateful.

“I want to say thank you to Chris and Rick Paddock, Brett, Kerry Cowan, Cindy Ellery and Dawn Dallow, Eboni and Ami who all helped me organise the events.”