A group of fearless skydivers braved the stormy Sunday clouds as they took on a tandem skydive over Old Sarum – raising over £8,000 for your local Air Ambulance.
The group of jumpers included a doctor and paramedic duo from our Critical Care Team, Dr Frances Dolman and Nigel Harley, who told us about their day.
“We awoke early Sunday morning with a nervous energy, today was our skydive!
“After arriving at GoSkydive, we checked in and the realisation that we were now committed sank in. During an introductory video you could hear a pin drop as the room full of soon to be Skydivers, most on their maiden jump, sat wide eyed as they watched on.
“We were sized up into functional, not fashionable, blue overalls and harnesses for a briefing and demonstration of the jump ahead. Soon after we were called up and after climbing the steps of the plane, we were ascending to 15,000ft. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favour and cloud cover meant we had to abort for safety reasons.
“We were reassured by the GoSkydive team that they were monitoring the weather and would have us up again as soon as possible. The team were great at keeping everyone entertained with parachute packing demonstrations and a tour of the plane.
Nigel Harley and Dr Frances Dolman
“Before we knew it, we were being recalled and were back aboard the plane. This time on reaching 15,000ft we were given the OK and the door opened. This was it; we were about to jump out of a plane!
“The one-minute freefall was surreal. Travelling at 120mph, wind rushing past your face. Then the parachute deploys, and you are floating high above the world. The views over Salisbury were incredible and certainly an experience we will never forget.
“For anyone considering jumping we would say ‘go for it. It really is an experience of a lifetime.’ Raising money for our charity made it even more worthwhile and we thank all who have supported us to achieve this goal.”
Another of the jumpers, and the daughter of one of our Critical Care Team doctors, Susie Hughes, told us:
“It was like nothing I could have imagined – being pushed out of a tiny plane strapped to someone I’d met about 10 minutes ago into literal thin air. All I could see was this mass of cloud, it really felt exhilarating.
“I am so thankful, for a lot of things really: GoSkydive and my tandem partner; all the amazing, wonderful sponsors for their donations and kindness; but primarily, of course, the Air Ambulance team for facing intense situations and providing the service without fail, going into the unknown for the sake of helping.”
While the weather held out for most of the day, a few members of the group were sadly unable to take to the skies, with the team at GoSkydive deeming it unsafe. For those who didn’t get to jump, we look forward to seeing you again with a rescheduled date.
Have you got what it takes to jump from 10,000 or 15,000 feet for charity?
Sign up for next year’s skydive on Sunday April 30.
