Austin Rees take to the skies in the name of charity
High-flying
Fresh back from the jump of a lifetime, Kate and Hannah have their feet firmly on the ground after their sky dive for the Rocking Horse Appeal.
An early morning start meant they were first in the queue to jump the knuckle-whitening 12,000ft from an aeroplane, strapped to a brave instructor. Already labelled ‘the ladies that leap’ by the course leader (due to their leaps of delight before the jump), they fast became known as the most excitable in the group and were banned from any further caffeine hits.
After a slight ‘thick cloud’ delay, they were then crammed into the aeroplane with six other nervous jumpers, taking ten minutes to reach jumping point but knowing full well it was not going to take that long to get back down again.
“Kate was taken from dizzying heights to ground zero in a flash, barely able to gasp for breath”
Hannah was last in, so first out. There was no time for argument as the door was opened, and out she went, her screams to be heard by the others left on the plane.
First in, so last out of the plane was Kate, already having seen Hannah plummet to the ground and left to follow her lead. Again, no time to argue, she was taken from dizzying heights to ground zero in a flash, barely able to gasp for breath before landing back on solid ground.
Once over, they’d raised nearly £1,500 for the appeal with funds kindly donated by fellow work colleagues and friends, and also benevolent strangers whilst they were waiting to jump.
In the pub, post-jump (a sherry was needed
to calm the adrenaline), both Kate and Hannah were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown in support of the event.
Asked if they would do it again, both readily said ‘yes’, without hesitation, but they are hoping to ‘up’ their daring for the next event (any ideas greatly received!).
For the moment they are keeping their feet firmly on the ground, ready for this year’s ‘Elf on the 12th’.
Donations can still be made to their page, so please visit, and take a look at the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos while you’re there.
