Pictures...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44237&l=aa89e&id=519311356

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44560&l=95458&id=519311356

24th March.... I DID IT!!!!

So we had snow, rain, hail and then the clouds broke and we were off. As I was the first to register, it meant I was first lift, if anyone was going to jump, I was.

I had my briefing and was harnessed up to a wonderful bloke called Dave..top man he was! We boarded the plane and headed for the skies. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and there was too much cloud for us to jump, so we came back down again.

We waited about for a while and eventually got the OK to go back up, so it was back to the hanger to be re-harnessed and get back into the plane.

This time it was happening, as we approached 13,000 ft the first set of jumpers were gone, Dave and I slid to the door and I got into position to jump. Next thing I knew, we were free-falling at 200mph towards the ground, in the freezing weather conditions. I had a second wonder guy, Mike, filming me all the way.

The experience was totally amazing, I have done so mad things in the past, but this has beat them all. Facing down with the ground hurtling towards me at such speed, with snow hitting me in the face was the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Tiny dots appeared on the ground, and I reconised Charleys pink coat instantly, my specatators were all waving away to me, awaiting my landing.

We eventually touched base, after what was a truly yet emotionally draining experience. I had done it. I had jumped 13,000ft.

My fingers were purple from the coldness, but that was just one of those things, and in the great scheme of things, cold fingers is nothing really.

Special thanks go to Natalie, Caz, Blue, Charley, Trina, George, Abbie, Jessica, Mum, dad and Lucy as they all came along to cheer me on.

Finally... HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE....THAT WAS FOR YOU.

XXX

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THEY LIED TO ME..... it's not 10,000 ft, its 13,000ft!!! that could make a big difference you know  maybe everyone could up their donations by 30%, what do you think???

23rd March 2008...

1 day to go, its snowing and horrid today, but tomorrows weather is meant to be clear with sunny spells, perfect jumping conditions, lets hope it stays that way.

I plan to travel up for 8am, registration is at 8.30am so I am going to try to get on the first or second lift up, just incase the weather does turn bad.

I have an army of spectators coming to watch me, should make great viewing from the skies.

So, lets just hope for clear blue skies over Biscester tomorrow!!

*****************NEW DATE********************

A new jump date is set, Monday 24th March 2008, which would have also been Graces 2nd Birthday.

I shall be going to the airfield for 8am so that I can make sure I am on the first lift up, which will hopefully take place earlier than last weekend!

Thanks once again for the amazing support everyone has given, I am going to make the most of the extra time to try and get some more sponsors, so please feel free to pass the link to this site around.

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Update 1st March 2008 18.20hrs

Well................ after waiting and hoping for 5 hours the jump unfortunately got cancelled, I am totally gutted as the adrenalin was pumping, BUT safety has to come first and unfortunately it was too windy to go ahead. Only one set of 4 tandem jumpers managed to complete their falls, before the plane was finally grounded for the day.

However, the weather will not outdo me, so I will be returning at some point over the easter weekend. Looking at my calender, it will probably have to be Easter Monday, which would have been Graces 2nd birthday so maybe its fate?

I guess on a plus side, it means another 2 weeks of fundraising!

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To say I am not nervous would be a lie. The thought of entering a plane on the ground, and then leaving it 10,000 feet up is scaring the pants off me, but I have to do it, its such a worthy cause and in the memory of one amazing little girl. I have spent the last few days with tears streaming down my face, everytime I think about WHY I am doing this. Grace was such a lovely child and has left this world too early.

So, in the blue skies over Weston Airfield, near Biscester, I shall be flying in a plane up to 10,000 feet then opening the door and jumping out,  with an angel beside me...........Grace xxx

On 24th April 2007, aged just 13 months old, Grace Bradburn died after suffering from the common childhood diesease chickenpox. Grace was only here for a short while, but she brought happiness to so many people.

Graces story....

When her chicken pox became severe Grace was admitted into the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. This was on her first birthday. Her condition worsened in the week and she was transferred by emergency ambulance to St Mary's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). With the professional and dedicated care of the medical team and the love and support of her family, Grace fought for life for over three weeks. She finally lost her battle and died at the unit on 24th April 2007. It is not clear why her immune system could not stop the virus, but it is a comfort to know that the many blood tests and research instigated through the PICU may help children in the future. Your kind donation will help the unit to continue to provide the highest level of care and support to children and their families. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: Cosmic (Children Of St Mary's Intensive Care) will receive your money electronically and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you. Many thanks for your support.

PLEASE HELP ME BY SPONSORING ME TO DO THIS EVENT AND HELP RAISE VITAL FUNDING FOR COSMIC.

Its easy to sposor me, just click on the donate now button above and follow the instructions. I do have a paper offline sponsor form if you want to contact me direct on 07808 720927.

Thanks for taking the time to read about what I am doing and why. It is appriciated by myself, Graces family and COSMIC.

To have a look at the work of Cosmic, click here.

http://www.gracessmile.blogspot.com/