If holding a bake sale or taking part in a 5k isn’t quite your speed, why not join us on our charity skydive day in May?
Whether it’s a 10,000ft or 15,000ft leap, this is a day you’ll never forget. And, best of all, every penny you raise will go towards helping people in our region.
So, join us and a group of brave souls on Sunday 15 May and take in the views over Old Sarum – if you can keep your eyes open, that is.
Looking for inspiration? We caught up with some of our daring divers who will be there on the day.
Our very own Dr Frances Dolman and HEMS Paramedic Nigel Harley will be swapping a hospital helipad landing for a 15,000ft drop, as they take on the highest possible tandem skydive in the UK.
The frontline duo can usually be found treating the most severely ill and injured people across our region, providing emergency critical care at road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests, sporting injures and medical emergencies.
Dr Frances Dolman said: “We’re both very excited and equally as nervous. We’re used to flying at 2,000ft in all types of weather but never would we consider exiting the aircraft mid-flight.
“The support we receive from the public is amazing. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide life-saving procedures at the roadside, in people’s homes or places of work. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us and allowed us to continue being there for people in our region when they need us most.”
Nigel Harley added: “It’s a tough job at times but it’s incredibly rewarding, especially when we see a young child that’s been critically ill and is now at home with their family. The team has amazing individuals who are all dedicated in bringing innovative medicine to our patients and their families.”
Another member of our Critical Care Team, Dr Simon Hughes, is used to jumping out of various aircraft with his years of experience in the Royal Air Force. But this time, his daughter Susie is braving her first skydive – the first of many?
“When I was younger, he was the cool dad in the helicopter with a stethoscope, saving lives. But as I’ve gotten older, I can see that it’s also a very demanding job. But it’s so important to him.
“When I was around 10 or 11, my primary school contacted him to come and do an assembly on the charity – he even managed to get the helicopter to fly in. Word got around that he was my dad and for a day I was the coolest kid in school.
Susie and her dad flying a microlight aircraft
“He promised to take me skydiving when I was 16 and then the pandemic hit. I’ve always wanted to do a big fundraiser for the Air Ambulance as a way of saying thank you. The nerves haven’t kicked in quite yet. Falling through the air at an insane speed sounds quite fun to me.
“The support from everyone means so much to the people who need the help. I’ve seen so many stories from people whose lives have changed because of the Air Ambulance: it’s simply inspiring.”
Want to join Dr Frances, Nigel and Susie for the leap of lifetime? Sign up today.
