I am 80 years old and doing a Skydive to raise money for the Homeless and Vulnerable in Basingstoke. The skydive will take place 18th April at Old Sarum Airfield (Salisbury).

For my birthday I was given a Skydive voucher. I have had two cancer operations but now in remission for some 5 years and thankful to get to the 80-year milestone.

For some 30 years my wife and I were involved in initiating day centres and night shelters for the homeless, isolated and vulnerable people in Basingstoke. This resulted in the setting up of May Place night shelter and the Camrose day centre in Basingstoke. When we first started, it was difficult to get people to either admit there was a problem, or to get involved in helping, now it is recognised as a necessary humanitarian provision.

So rather than just leap out a plane at 10000 ft for fun, I also want to try is to raise money for the Camrose Centre through the Skydive.

The Camrose Centre is a drop-in centre for anyone who is sleeping rough, homeless or vulnerably housed within Basingstoke and Deane.

It is open for 5 days a week. Its aim is to promote fulfilling lifestyles, emotional wellbeing and support long-term changes for those experiencing the effects of homelessness, mental and physical ill-health, poverty, substance misuse, domestic violence, unemployment, exploitation and social isolation.

Key to that is providing a hot meal in a safe and welcoming environment. A two course meal costs £1.60, with Gift Aid a donation of £1.50. They average 25 people per session so if we can raise £1000 it will provide some 650 meals for the most vulnerable in Basingstoke.

Any donation is very welcome.