Skydive Fundraiser
In aid of BLESMA and Mia.
May be more like 'Skydive Hellraiser' which would be more in-tune with looking down out of a plane at 15,000ft or 3 miles up in the air!
On the journey from Bury to the drop zone at Target Skysports Skydiving Centre in Hibaldstow the forecast was really hopeful for the right wind conditions for Ian. They had to be very closely around 15-17mph and consistent for an assisted landing. When we got there the Chief Tandem Skydive Instructor, Paul Hollow aka 'H', explained the winds had strengthened and were getting too gusty. So, for the fourth time we settled in for long wait.
Late into the afternoon we had resigned ourselves to yet another DNJ (did not jump). Then out of the blue our names rang out over public address system! At the assembly area we were quickly shepherded into a second briefing. Even as we're getting kitted up, stunning designer wear and Ian's legs taped up making him look like he'd been kidnapped, there was an element of caution about conditions.
After the final all clear from H we boarded the plane. As you can see above we were really nervous! The atmosphere on the plane was electric but this was only ever a one-way ticket and the time came at 15,000ft when the door was flung open for the speedy, 125mph, return to earth...
...don't look down! We soon realised you pretty much drop like a stone on leaving the aircraft!
Freefall is totally amazing, it's got to be one of the ultimate rides! It feels more awesome and amazing than scary. You're falling at about 125mph for 10,000 ft so it is very noisy as the wind rushes past your face. There is a feeling of total freedom as you fly through the sky...
...free as a bird...
...Kirsty's moment of enlightenment!
Baldrick was the tandem master partnering Ian who, due to a disabling spinal chord injury, had to pretty much keep to a certain position to make sure his arm didn't fly backwards knocking Baldrick out. This would have been bad news as he's pulling the parachute chord! This position let Baldrick give Ian a short but rare treat in a first tandem skydive called 'tracking'. This is when the arms are tucked into streamline the freefall position as you can see below...and big grin afterwards. So, he obviously enjoyed that then...
Noel was the tandem master partnering Kirsty. He also did an excellent job so much so Kirsty wanted to go again...but on her own! During freefall, as well as the more routine spins, Kirsty spun around holding the cameraman's hand which she found exhilarating at what was probably 2 miles in the air!
At 5,000 ft the parachute canopy is deployed which is like an emergency stop slowing you down to approximately 15mph and then you're left dangling in what is a relatively peaceful silence. But your mind is still travelling at full speed from the freefall experience. Only thing left to do is land...
This is where all the patience, largely stoically enforced on us by H!, paid off amazingly for Ian. He could really appreciate first hand the reason it is absolutely necessary to have the right wind conditions for someone in his position as the 'ring of catchers' swept up his legs out of harms way. He was laid down on the grass easier than sitting in an armchair!
A very big thank you to all staff at Target Skysports Hibaldstow who were without any doubt professional to the extreme and won our hearts making a dream come true! Also, for being one of the few drop zones in the UK willing to work with and give disabled people the opportunity to experience a tandem skydive. Also a big thank you to Tony Massie for finding this drop zone and his support. And finally, thank you to everyone for your donations to the very worthy charities, BLESMA and Mia, detailed below.
Target Skysports Hibaldstow
Hibaldstow Airfield
North Lincolnshire
DN20 9NN
| Mia's Chromosome Deletion Foundation Simply, chromosomes are the structures that hold our genes. Genes are the individual instructions that tell our bodies how to develop and keep our bodies running healthy. A chromosomes deletion is when a part of a chromosome(s) has been deleted. | BLESMA BLESMA is the charity that directly supports all our service personnel who lose limbs, use of limbs, the sight of an eye(s) in the service of their country & are with them all whenever we are needed for the rest of their lives. Blesma for life. |
