Well I've decided to take the plunge! Not literally I hope - read on to find out why.

I'm going to do something I originally planned to do 38 years ago and help a local charity into the bargain. I'm going to do a sky dive to support Backup North West, a local charity based in Bolton, on 9th September 2023! I have worked with Backup North West for almost 16 years and Smarter Technologies Ltd, my company, is a Guardian for the charity, so I thought it was time for me to do something practical for them, other than the day job, to help raise funds.

Backup North West provide multiple services across Bolton to young people aged 16-25 years who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. It provides supported accommodation which includes emergency housing, temporary accommodation, and short and medium stay supported housing. It also provides outreach support workers who focus on mental health, employment support and much more. Young people can live in more than one of the charity's services as they make progress and develop more independence prior to moving on completely.

I would like to ask you to sponsor me, either personally or as a corporate donation. If you are able to, please help me raise £400 for Backup North West

So why did I not do this 38 years ago? Well, a parachute jump depends on the weather. In autumn 1985 I completed the training for a solo static line jump and then for 4 successive weekends the weather was too bad to jump. By then we were into November and the jump school at that time did not allow novices to jump after 1st November. In the spring of 1986 I was revising for finals at University and the opportunity had gone.

Well let’s hope that 9th September this year is going to be bright and clear!

Thank you for supporting me, it will mean so much to everyone at Backup North West and young people in need.