So it's now done!!!

The picture is of me firmly attached to my lovely coach Gerry in freefall. (I owe him my life!) I think I’m smiling, although it might just be wind.

Read on for instructions on how not to sky-dive…..

Having made every effort to avoid any preconceptions about exiting a plane at 12,000 ft,  I was actually surprised to find myself  falling, with nothing to hang on to – and that was scary! We were in freefall for about 45 seconds before the canopy was opened. At this point everything went briefly very peaceful and I went from flying to hanging like a limp rag doll, hoping from there on in just to enjoy the view….oh dear…the harness was apparently very tight and my arms started to go numb (a sort of been-sitting-on –your- hands sort of numb). This panicked me slightly regarding the need to use my arms to lift my legs for landing (to avoid leg breakage!) Gerry suggested we make a rapid descent.  My lunch did not enjoy the one sudden downward spiral, and to avoid meeting it a second (or third!) time, we decided just to go for a steady descent.  I had no idea how high we were or how fast we were travelling! But we made it – Gerry landed first which was a truly amazing outcome and I crumbled in a heap on the grass at his feet

I am so glad that this experience is now in my past rather than my future - a first ever and last ever skydive is complete. I have gained some street-cred with the kids, but in future I will always use a stunt double.

This is your very last chance to sponsor me for anything remotely dangerous, so please donate to our chosen charity of LOROS now!