On 8 August 2026, two members of the Bridge McFarland family will be facing one of their biggest challenges yet – stepping out of an aeroplane at thousands of feet above the ground.
Chief Operating Officer Adele Collis and HR Officer Lily-Mae Stokes are taking on a charity skydive to raise funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
While the challenge itself is enough to make most people feel nervous, for Adele and Lily-Mae the cause is far bigger than the fear.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition affecting more than 11,000 people across the UK. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and block ducts in the digestive system, creating significant health challenges for those living with the condition every day.
For Adele, the fundraiser is particularly close to home.
For nearly three decades, Adele has seen first-hand the impact cystic fibrosis can have on a family. Her niece Megan was diagnosed 28 years ago, at a time when treatment options and life expectancy were far poorer than they are today. More recently, her great-nieces Scarlett and Penelope were also born with the condition.
Adele explains:
“I have been a quiet supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust since my niece Megan’s diagnosis all those years ago. As time has gone on, and with my great-nieces Scarlett and Penelope also having the condition, I feel it’s now time to shout about it. What better way than pushing myself beyond any limit of comfort zone and jumping out of a plane?”
When talking about what the charity means to her, Adele became visibly emotional.
“Everything! When Megan was first diagnosed, there was very poor treatment available and a shorter life expectancy for those with CF. Based on the statistics then, Megan shouldn’t be here.
What researchers and the charity, Cystic Fibrosis Trust have achieved over the last 20 years is nothing short of a miracle. Due to incredible new treatments, my niece is now incredibly fit and active. She ran a half marathon earlier this year and has applied for the London Marathon next April. She now has excellent lung function. For Scarlett and Penelope, life is near normal. Other than the medication they take every day, you would never know they have cystic fibrosis.”
It is those advances in research and treatment that Adele and Lily-Mae are hoping to support through their fundraising.
Together, they hope to raise as much as possible to support vital research, treatment and care for individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis.
But before they take the leap, we sat down with them to find out more about what inspired them to get involved, how they’re feeling, and whether they’re regretting saying yes…
Meet the Skydivers:
What made you sign up for a skydive?
Adele:
“To do something completely out there. It would be unexpected for me, particularly!”
Lily-Mae:
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. When the opportunity came up, I thought why not? It’s for a good cause as well, so you’re doing it for something meaningful, not just for the fun of it.”
Be honest – whose idea was this?
Adele:
“Mine!”
What’s the part you’re most excited about?
Adele:
“Weirdly, it’s going up. I know I’m going to be a bag of nerves, but I think the excitement of going up is going to give me the adrenaline to get out again.”
Lily-Mae:
“Getting to the end and being able to say I’ve done it! Everyone says you’re glad you’ve done it afterwards, so hopefully that’ll be me.”
And what are you most nervous about?
Adele:
“Leaving the plane. There’s all the build-up, the briefing and the safety checks, but then somebody says ‘right, we’re off’ and suddenly it’s real.”
Lily-Mae:
“Honestly? Surviving and making it to the bottom safely!”
If you could say one thing to people thinking about donating, what would it be?
Adele:
“The difference you’ll make. Research is so important. It gives children diagnosed at an early age the opportunity to live full, happy and active lives. Megan, Scarlett and Penelope are proof of that.”
On a scale of 1–10, how terrified are you?
Adele:
“About a five or six at the moment. Because I’m so determined to do it.”
Lily-Mae:
“Right now? I’m okay. On the day? About 100 out of 10!”
Adele adds:
“What I do know is that any amount of fear disappears because of what we’re doing it for.”
Finally – what are you going to be screaming on the way down?
Adele:
“Probably something we can’t print!”
Lily-Mae:
“I honestly have no idea. I don’t think you can imagine what it’s going to be like until you’re actually doing it.”
Every donation, no matter the size, will help support the incredible work carried out by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and help make a real difference to families affected by cystic fibrosis. Adele has seen first-hand how research and advances in treatment have transformed the lives of her niece Megan and great-nieces Scarlett and Penelope, and that’s exactly why she and Lily-Mae are taking on this challenge.
If Adele and Lily-Mae’s story has inspired you, please consider making a donation and helping them reach their fundraising target.
👉 Donate via their JustGiving page:
Bridge McFarland is fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Whether it’s £5, £10 or £50, every contribution helps support vital research, treatment and care for people living with cystic fibrosis. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing their fundraising page can help spread awareness and make a difference.
Two women. One cause. One giant leap. Let’s help them make it count. 💛
