A team of skydivers have raised more than £13,500 all in support of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
With blue skies on the horizon and family and friends watching in anticipation from the ground, 13 brave skydivers took to the skies over Old Sarum on Saturday 14 June – jumping from 15,000ft – all to raise vital funds for their local Air Ambulance.
Saving lives across our region
The vital funds raised by our thrill-seeking supporters, including a team from Griffon Marine, will bring us one step closer to our new home – as we prepare to relocate our Airbase to a site near Southampton Airport. This move will ensure our Critical Care Team can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes from take-off.
Among the supporters looking to reach new heights was 81-year-old retired pilot, turned volunteer – Owen:
“I was a little apprehensive on arriving at Old Sarum, I had spent 35 years strapped to an aeroplane (I was a commercial pilot) so jumping out of an aircraft at 15000ft was a little strange to say the least! However seeing all the other jumpers and supporters soon got me in the mood.
“The actual jump was great. On opening the chute it was so peaceful, the weather was really good and we lost the height circling over Salisbury before landing right on the cross! Would I do it again? Yes I would. Perhaps for my 90th birthday but that’s me, my wife says I’m not to do it!
“Thank you to Lily for all the help she gave, particularly with the fundraising, reaching £1,500.”
Another supporter who helped raise vital funds was Jonathan Scoffin, who said:
“It was an amazing experience, which generated a truly incredible mix of emotions. I also enjoyed meeting other volunteers on the day, each of us having our own stories but the same shared purpose.”
“Doing my first ever skydive – from 15,000 ft – saw me conquer fears, experience new highs (quite literally) while raising vital funds for a fantastic cause. Can’t beat that combination!”
Lily Worth, Events Coordinator at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said:
“We have been blown away by the incredible support received by this year’s skydive participants -thank you so much to all that took part and donated.
“Our challenge events raise a significant amount each year towards the running of our service and thanks to the dedication from our skydivers – we are one step closer to our new home.”
“We’re looking forward to welcoming more supporters from across the region at challenge events throughout the summer. ”
You can make a difference
Are you looking for your next challenge? Visit our events page to see what exciting events we have coming up this year.
