Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have a big birthday coming up in April and as a party or a holiday was out of the question, I have decided to do a tandem skydive in memory of Gordon Perera.

Three years ago, in February 2018, Gordon was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Only 39 years old at the time, with his beautiful wife Zoe and their wonderful young children Amelie and Louis, it would have been understandable for him to give in. Instead he showed enormous courage and positivity and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Gordon continued to teach Maths at Worth School, but he did so much more. He inspired everyone at school to see the world in a different way, to accept challenges that life throws at you, to be thankful and to be your best possible self. MND could not diminish his incredible sense of humour and he was always concerned about the welfare of others. He took part in medical trials to help future sufferers and he talked to the school about his experiences, his hopes and his fears. His Buddhist faith enabled him to find gratitude in what he experienced every day, and the Abbey at Worth gave him the space and opportunity to meditate.

In the first Covid lockdown in March 2020, Gordon continued to join our online departmental meetings, and he and Zoe gave an inspirational and very emotional assembly to the whole school in June. Gordon greatly valued the support of the whole community at Worth and the Buddhist community at Chithurst throughout his illness, before he passed away in September 2020.

There are people you meet in life who you know you will never forget. I only knew Gordon for three years, but his positivity and gratitude will live with me for ever. This is for you - Gordon, Zoe, Amelie and Louis - I can imagine you laughing your head off as I fall out of the plane!