On the 1st September I will be taking part in the HUET Challenge (Helicopter Escape Training) at Survivex, Aberdeen. I’m hoping to raise as much money as I can for the SANDS charity and the Baird Family Hospital Project. 

I have chosen to support SANDS because it is a charity that is close to my family’s heart. Sands support is vital in providing devastated families, the care and support they need during a very difficult and distressing time in their lives. 
Not only is Sands support vital to families but they are also financially supporting funding for research, to reduce the number of infant deaths. 

Team Sands-Aberdeen have been involved in raising money towards a new Bereavement Suite which will be located in the Maternity Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. 
The funds raised will be used to provide the best supportive and compassionate environment available to grieving families. You’re donation no matter how small will help to create a sensitive and caring environment for all bereaved parents in the Grampian area.
 
 
 
My dad is Patrick Miley, who for 27 years was a North Sea Helicopter pilot with Bristows Helicopters. 
He would routinely fly over the North Sea to the Oilrigs.  This was a challenging job with a range of risks and hazards that he had to face on a daily basis. I am extremely proud of him for what he has achieved over the years. My Dad would spend all of his spare time coaching me in the pool when he was not flying. 
On a regular basis my dad would take part in HUET as part of his ongoing training. 
I hugely admire all helicopter pilots especially those who fly out to the oilrigs every day in all weather conditions. In their honour I would like to put myself through this training and to challenge myself to experience it first hand.  Ironically I have a huge fear of small spaces and water, the sensation of feeling trapped and not being able to breathe will be a huge challenge for me to overcome.
 
 
The HUET Challenge will be taking place at the Survivex Training Centre in Aberdeen. I, along with a small team will be put through different ditching scenarios in a simulated environment, similar to the North Sea. The level of difficulty will be stepped up with each round, using a wave machines, gale force winds, total blackouts and a range of challenges added in to make the experience as realistic as possible. 
 
This is quite a big challenge and I would love it if you could support me!