The daredevil and inspiration that is Mary Bates is set to undertake yet another 15,000ft skydive dressed as Spiderman to celebrate the life of her son Spencer Bates, a well-known drummer on Weymouth’s music scene who died at the age of 49 in 2011.
Mary Bates skydiving (Image: Mary Bates)
MND sis a group of neurological conditions that damage the nerve cells controlling muscles in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, the messages from these nerves to the muscles stop getting through, causing muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste away and making everyday activities like walking, talking, swallowing and breathing increasingly difficult.
It is usually a life-shortening illness and there is currently no cure, but treatments and support can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.
This is not the first time that Mary from Weymouth has undertaken the adrenaline-fuelled challenge and in 2024 she raised funds for MND charities alongside six others who had agreed to get involved.
Spencer Bates (Image: PA)
Mary said: “I am once again taking on a skydive in memory of my beloved son Spenny, who sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease in his 40s. This time at a mere 82 years old.
“Watching him go through such a cruel illness was something no parent should ever have to experience, and it has stayed with me every day since.
“MND is a devastating disease that takes away so much, not just from those diagnosed but from the families who love them. I wanted to do something, however big or small, to help make a difference – and this is my way of doing that.
“I may be 82, but I believe it’s never too late to try and help others. This skydive is my tribute to Spenny and a way of supporting the vital work being done to fight MND and care for those affected.
“If you’re able to support me with a donation, I would be incredibly grateful. And if not, simply sharing this page would mean just as much.”
Mary Bates skydiving (Image: Mary Bates)
Weymouth woman to skydive in memory of son Spenny Bates
Weymouth woman, 80’s skydive in memory of drummer son
Group dressed as Spiderman skydive for MND charities
Amy’s fete for MNDA funds in memory of her uncle
Weymouth woman’s skydive in memory of son Spencer Bates
The reason behind the Spiderman link is to pay tribute to a young boy called Oliver who also sadly lost his life to MND. Oliver loved Spiderman – hence the reason Mary will be completing the skydive dressed as the Marvel character.
This time round, Mary is raising funds for the Mel Evans MND Foundation which aims to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, to raise vitally needed funding for research into effective treatments and an eventual cure for MND, and to help families who are impacted by MND.
Mary is also inviting anyone who would like to get involved to join her on the skydive. At present she has a team of four.
If you would like to support Mary’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/marybates.