skydive

Finally done my jump =D I did it at the North London Parachute Centre, Cambridge. The team there were well organised and fantastic, particularly my tandem partner Bryn, who kept me laughing all the way, dispelling any slight nerves. This was the second day I’d come back to the airfield – typical British summer weather leading to a very frustrating intial day, on which nobody was able to jump. Second time around, however, and the weather was scorching. After a brief reminder of training, it was not too long to wait before my name was called and we were soon taking off.

I wasn’t sure if the entirety of what I was about to do hit me until the plane door opened at about 10,000 feet, but I wasn’t really nervous; I guess I put this down to determination for the cause. The jump itself was spectacular. Freefalling for a whole 40 seconds, travelling at an amazing speed. I found it somewhat difficult to breathe (through my nose at least), hindered by a cold at the time, but also because it literally was such a breathtaking experience. The view is spectacular and once the parachute goes up it’s even easier to admire.

I was doing a sponsored charity jump to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust, in memory of a friend. Having to raise £395 sounded like a tall order to begin with but I was determined and eventually raised over £700, which I am really proud of.

Such a brilliant day. I would do it again in an instant; however, would be a lot more expensive next time without the sponsorship! It was fantastic to be able to try such an adrenaline-raising extreme sport effectively for free, and raise so much more for a worthy cause on top. Another little coincidental quirk that I thought made the day even better, and made me perfectly ready to jump, was having my name called out on the tannoy as I was sitting on the grass, listening to a particular song which was played at the memorial assembly for my friend. Whether you have a charitable cause or simply because you are seeking a thrill, really, GO. I’m sure you won’t regret it.

After a comment on my last entry I had a look on clickandjump.co.uk – looked like a great website. I’ve emailed their office with a few questions and am expecting a reply tomorrow. Hopefully, after a few things have been cleared up and I’ve talked to a few people I should be able to book it. Excellent. I know a couple of people at college also skydiving, for a different cause – more for the challenge/excitement, I think – but the fact there are others doing the same makes me less nervous :)

Also, I’ve heard there’s been a fundraising committee set up amongst pupils at my old school, the one Nigel was attending. So it looks like there’s going to be a lot of fundraising events going on, and a lot of support, for Meningitis UK and other related charities, which is fantastic to hear.

I’ve decided to do a sponsored skydive in memory of a friend of mine, who died of meningitis recently. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and now seems time to overcome any apprehensions about it, and now being in possession of a seriously important cause, to hopefully raise lots of money for. I’m going all out on this one, and am going to start really researching it and getting things done shortly. Saw a poster at college giving information about it, and gonna read up on 43things of others’ experiences.

A friend was passing round a sponsorship form at college for doing a skydive, something I’d love to do to. Really inspired me to research it for myself, it would be so exciting. :)