Welcome to my fundraising page!

FreeSpirit is a custom built community boat dedicated to the coastal community in particular those who are disadvantaged, suffer with mental health and wellbeing and/or long term chronic illnesses such as cancer.

Why am I jumping for FreeSpirit?

Why I’m jumping (even though I’m terrified)

I’m about to jump out of a plane from 13,500 feet—and to be honest, I’m petrified. I’m not doing this because I’m fearless. I’m doing it because I care, and because this means something to me. The sea has always been my safe place. There’s a calmness, a clarity that only water gives me. So when I learned about FreeSpirit—a community boat helping people through the healing power of the sea—I instantly felt connected. This skydive is my way of stepping (or, okay, falling) out of my comfort zone to support something I truly believe in. I’m doing this not because it’s easy, but because it’s right. Because courage isn’t about not being scared—it’s about doing the thing anyway. And this? This is me doing the thing. For the cause, for the people, for the love of the sea—and a little bit for the thrill. So pleaseee donate and make me feel like I did something right!

Jumping from a plane is a powerful reminder of how it feels to let go - of fear, of pressure, of control - and to trust in the support around us. Like with mental wellbeing, it takes courage to face the unknown, but we don’t do it alone. Taking the leap from the skies, a skydive captures the essence of FreeSpirit - the courage to soar, the trust to fall, and the grounding that comes from being supported by others. As we come back down to earth, we're reminded that no matter how high we fly, it’s the people around us who help us land with purpose, strength, and connection. FreeSpirit is about embracing the journey - together. At the Netheravon Army Parachute Association we will jump from 13,500ft - one of the highest jumps in the UK!

FREESPIRIT AIMS

To provide maritime education training and research opportunities

To promote an enhance mental health and wellbeing

To support local charities which promote and enhance mental health and wellbeing

To promote and deliver maritime ecological good practice and sustainability

The community will benefit through access to boat excursions which can address a wide range of mental health challenges through active participation informed by different therapies, tailored to individual and group needs to promote their wellbeing. The restorative qualities of blue spaces, combined with structured and creative activities helps foster emotional regulation, social connection, and personal growth. As evidence continues to support the effectiveness of nature-based therapy, boat excursions stand out as a valuable addition to the modern therapeutic toolkit.

FreeSpirit is a purpose built boat, designed to support maritime educational, training and research opportunities with many features such as live wells, interactive screens, canopies and an integrated structure to support scientific equipment. It can be used by the community 365 days a year as an on water classroom at sea, in the harbour or at its mooring providing immense flexibility to provide support regardless of the weather.

FreeSpirit will support the empowerment of people through community engagement, education, and active participation in sustainability projects. The sea angling trips introducing people to the benefits of fishing, are all specifically linked to fish stock surveys and as necessary for various groups is suitably interchanged with magnet fishing removing metallic waste from the sea bed. During maritime trips, people are encouraged to look out for debris that can be removed with use of nets fostering constant meaningful participation.