St Helens town centre transformation team take the leap for Willowbrook Hospice

Article date: 20 October 2025

In a show of courage, camaraderie, and community spirit, the group free-fell their way into raising more than £5,000 for the local charity, proving that when it comes to supporting vital causes, they're not afraid to go all in.

The skydive challenge was organised by VINCI Building - the main contractor behind the regeneration scheme for St Helens Borough Council and ECF (the partnership of Homes England, L&G, and Muse).

Harnessed to parachutes at Black Knight Skydiving Centre in Lancaster, VINCI's Stuart Turner, Harry Chamberlain, Andy Scott, James McGlynn, and Hannah Bailey, joined by Ubique Risk Management's Chloe Page, all completed their first-ever jump in support of the hospice.

After safely touching down, Harry, Hannah, and Stuart joined the Willowbrook Hospice team for a celebratory photo, proudly handing over the donation.

Willowbrook Hospice, on Portico Lane, has been VINCI Building's chosen charity partner throughout the regeneration project. Since opening in 1997, Willowbrook has provided specialist palliative care with compassion, dignity, love and laughter to more than 10,000 patients across the St Helens and Knowsley area.

The Hospice receives 29% of its running costs from donations and thus relies solely on the community, corporate sponsors and volunteers to provide the rest.

As part of the scheme's wider social impact programme, local sub-contractor Huyton-Asphalt Civils (HA Civils) donated £9,700 in time and materials for repairs at both the hospice and its Sutton Road charity shop.

When Willowbrook raised concerns about the shop car park's structural safety, HA Civils carried out surveys, removed a faulty section, and laid new tarmac at no cost. Working with fellow local sub-contractor L&R Roadlines, they also created a safe pedestrian crossing between the hospice car park and main building.

Councillor Kate Groucutt , Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth at St Helens Borough Council said: "This is a fantastic example of regeneration extending beyond the town centre. It's about investing in the people that make St Helens what it is. By supporting Willowbrook Hospice, our partners are showcasing how investment can strengthen the heart of St Helens through supporting the charities that provide care and support for our families and communities across the borough."

Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, said: "The regeneration of St Helens town centre is a long-term commitment, and social impact is at the heart of that. Whether it's raising money through a skydive or more practical solutions, we're determined that every stage of this project delivers a lasting legacy for local people."

Hannah Bailey, Social Value Manager at VINCI Building, said: "Social impact runs through everything we do in St Helens. Willowbrook has been a linchpin of the community for almost 30 years, providing specialist care that touches countless families. The skydive is just one of many ways we will keep supporting the hospice. Whether fundraising, volunteering our using our skills to improve their facilities, we will continue to show our support for such an outstanding charity."

Louise Ashton, Social Value Manager at HA Civils, said: "Huyton Asphalt Civils is a local company committed to helping local communities and charities alike. By donating our time, materials, and expertise, we hope we've made the environment safer and more welcoming for the staff, patients and visitors who rely on Willowbrook every day. Supporting a charity that gives so much comfort to local families is exactly the kind of impact we strive for."

The town centre regeneration is being delivered by St Helens Borough Council and ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.