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 at Langar Airfield, .
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!
