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Target: £5,000.00
Raised so far: £2,920.00
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My story

 

Please Support Sir Henry’s Happy Landing!

After some very rough weather, Sunday 15 November dawned sunny and bright with a light wind.

The forces of nature were clearly not going to ‘save’ him.  A Jump had been promised and a Jump it had to be!

 

The venue for this endeavour - the British Parachute School at Langar Airfield, South Nottinghamshire.

The task - a Tandem Skydive from 14,000ft.

The purpose – to raise monies for important developments at The National Memorial Arboretum.

 

After a lot of hanging around, guaranteed to jangle the nerves further, it was off for a briefing and getting into the kit.

A further wait for final photos and it was off to the plane. No escape now!

 

20 minutes later and up at the required height (about two and a half miles), the door was opened and the first Jumpers were off with a woosh.

Oh Help! The ground looks an awfully long way down!

Move to the door strapped tightly to my Buddy, heart pounding….big breath, wave to the waiting photographer and WOOSSSSSSH.

Falling ….churn in stomach, noise of plane fading….make sure in correct position…try to relax….fantastic view, actually starting to enjoy it!!!

The exit was scary but once outside, the initial sensation of falling turns almost immediately in to one of floating, not falling at 120mph.

 

About 45 seconds free fall down to 5,000ft then the reassuring yank, as the chute opens. Wind noise greatly reduces permitting conversation with Buddy. Pointing out Nottingham, Derby and towards The Wash. Between 4 and 5 minutes and we are waving to the onlookers and preparing for final approach. Hold legs up and point them forwards to avoid any breakages if a hard landing. But Buddy lands smoothly on his feet, spot on target. His father, who was a Red Devil, would be proud of him…..I certainly was!

 

Relieved, thrilled…..a huge adrenalin rush.

 

What a breathtaking experience…..quite wonderful!

 

That evening I was still on a high and I am told to expect this for a few days...

 

The young lady Ready for the Off, is my High Sheriff’s Cadet, who also jumped. Cpl. Ashton Searcey is a 17 year old Army Cadet and a very gutsy girl. She wanted to go straight back up and do it all again!

 

Would I do it again? YES.

Will I do it again? Unlikely.

 

It was all in aid of The National Memorial Arboretum.

 

The Arboretum is a unique site of special national significance and needs donations to improve its facilities and to become a fitting home not only for the wonderful Armed Forces Memorial but also the Basra Wall, to be dedicated in 2010.

 

The National Memorial Arboretum relies on the generous support of individuals and organisations and is grateful for all gifts, large or small, making it possible to continue the vital work. Find out more about the Arboretum at www.thenma.org.uk  

 

Please dig deep and donate now!

Well done, Henry - a worthy cause! Brave, or just like dressing-up in funny outfits? Donation by Ian & Olwyn Bailey 18/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Mad as a hatter ! You'll be jumping out of planes next. Thanks to a great supporter of the Fepow exhibition centre at the Arboretum. Donation by Dick and Sally-Ann Meadows 18/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Congratulations! The photos were fantastic. And all for a great cause. Donation by Duncan Bailey 17/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done Henry from all at Bates Weston! Donation by Ian Neal 17/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Very well done Henry - Chris & Kay Donation by Chris Marples 16/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Goodonyer Donation by Neil and Auriol 16/11/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done Henry! You must be mad!! Donation by Angela Ham 16/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

I see no rational reason whatsoever to prematurely leave a perfectly serviceable aeroplane! But well done anyway. Donation by John & Sarah, Cornwall 16/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Henry, I'm impressed - good for you and soft landing! Donation by Susan Perkins 16/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Here's to soft and safe landing! Well done Henry Donation by Jill Britton 16/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Ever so glad it isn't in memoriam and sorry I couldn't be with you Donation by Jim Morrison 16/11/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Brilliant Effort Well Done Donation by Judy Haywood 15/11/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

A very brave and and noble effort Donation by George Risley 15/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done: I am sure this is something that you will not forget! Donation by Simon Bate 15/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Congratulations Henry - love to hear how you felt doing the sky dive..... I am impressed !!! Donation by Richard Tate 15/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck Henry we will be thinking of you. Enjoy your flight ! Love John Mandy & Family x Donation by John Beaton 15/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

We salute your bravery and wish you a safe landing. Rchard & Hilary Donation by Hilary May-Hill 14/11/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

We dread to think what you might try to do next!! Best wishes Willie and Jill Donation by William Tucker 13/11/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Enjoy Donation by Anon 11/11/09  

Very best of luck Henry. You'll love every moment of it! Frances & Tony & family Donation by Frances Hughes 09/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

All the best Henry and happy landing! Donation by Peter and Frances Mayes 08/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Soft landing Sir Henry. Suggest you don't wear your sword! Donation by DEREK & MARJORIE ROOME 01/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

A braver man than I Donation by Chris Carpenter 30/10/09  

Good Luck Sir Henry! Donation by Chris' Buet 29/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

You're a brave man Henry! Best of luck. Donation by Carole Wanless 26/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Henry Donation by Marianne Yates 21/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Henry - we'll be cheering you on (from terra firma) all the way! Donation by Emma Jhita 21/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Up up and away...but down gently. Good luck. Donation by David & Lorna Hellard 17/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Hope the news release brings more donations flooding in! Donation by Andrew Baud 16/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good Luck Henry, rather you than me and I hope the hat doesn't fly off! Donation by Roger Litchfield 16/10/09  

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* Total raised online: £1,200.00
  Offline donations: £1,720.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £338.46

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