By Samantha Winnicki
TORONTO, ON.
February 1, 2025, marked a momentous day for 101-year-old Canadian WWII veteran and paratrooper Ed Marshall who was awarded the commemorative King Charles III Coronation Medal. Last spring, Marshall launched a fundraiser for The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto titled The 100 Year Jump, pledging to complete a tandem skydive and aiming to raise one thousand dollars for every year of his life. On July 12, 2024, Marshall bravely jumped from 13,000ft becoming the oldest person to tandem skydive in Canadian history and raising an incredible $105,000 for SickKids.
The King Coronation Medal marks the May 6, 2023 Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It is awarded to Canadians from all walks of life who have made outstanding contributions to their community and country. In recognition of Marshall’s extraordinary efforts, the Canadian Airborne Forces Association nominated him for this honour, highlighting his significant contribution to the community and legacy of airborne forces.
The medal ceremony took place in the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre to an audience of family and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Coronation Medal was presented by Scott Moody, Commanding Officer of 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. Sitting next to Marshall was Warrant Officer Adam Winnicki, paratrooper in the Queens of Rifles and tandem instructor on Ed's skydive. Marshall, who stood to receive his medal, graciously thanked his donors and everyone who has supported his dream to return to the skies after nearly 80 years.
NEWS ARTICLES & VIDEOS of ED's JUMP
CBC Hamilton - 100-year-old veteran parachutes out of a plane, raising over $100K for SickKids hospital
Zoomer TV - 100-Year-Old Veteran Skydives For Charity (YouTube)
CBC Toronto - 100-year-old WWII veteran skydives to raise money for SickKids (YouTube)
Good Morning America - WW2 paratrooper skydives for 100th birthday
SickKids Foundation - The 100 Year Jump
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