Yee-ha! Arrived early at 8am at RAF Weston-on--the-Green, just north of Oxford and after a briefing J and I told we're in the first plane. Not a cloud in sight, wonderful blue sky and we're into the plane - most on bench seats, J on floor. She is first out and I am second ... videographer tracks her leaving first at around 11,000 feet and then leaves with me at about 11,250 ... 50 seconds in free-fall starting with a tumbling roll and dive to the left and then stable arch, the chute opens for five quiet minutes looking at the Oxford countryside - Blenheim Palace, John Ratcliffe Hospital, M40 motorway. Whether it's because I'm heavier than J or my chute opens later I overtake J on the way down and land first ... legs like jelly, adrenalin pumping through my system ... can't believe five plus minutes can pass so quickly.
I'll post the video and stills footage on YouTube or similar shortly ... a recommended experience ... yee-ha!
Thank you all who donated ... and this web page will stay "open" for donations for a further three months.
Thanks for visiting my JustGiving page. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a nasty disease progressively robbing people of physical abilities and can eventually blunt mental faculties. I do not suffer but know three friends with it - coincidentally all three are attractive, educated, intelligent ladies. P and J were diagnosed in their forties while L was told at university in her early twenties. L is now wheel-chair bound, unable to hold a phone, write or use a computer yet until a few years ago she taught and helped children with problems make the best of their education and life.
Throughout, L has displayed an amazingly positive attitude, a determination to enjoy life and make the best of her situation which has always impressed and humbled me. Medicine may find a cure one day but until then sufferers like P, J and L will need support, help and care.
Throughout the various stages of the illness,
Chilterns MS Centre (www.chilternsmscentre.org) provides physical and
emotional support - they depend on donations and fund-raising for their survival and I am asking you now to contribute what you can. I've paid for the jump myself so every penny you give will go to them, not for my pleasure (!).
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. So please dig deep - donate now and help support people like L, P and J. This is a big jump - a high altitude freefall followed by a chute opening .. I hope! .. somewhere over Weston-On-The-Green, Oxfordshire, this Saturday!
