By Mal Butler
Dozens of people jumped around 15,000 feet at Sandown Airport to raise money for charity with Skydive last week. Among the charities were the Wight Brainy bunch, which supports the Brain Tumour Charity, Freshwater Independent Lifeboat and Mountbatten.
Alex Fuster and his wife, Jessica, jumped together after being inspired by the event two years ago after Alex had been diagnosed with an incurable tumour.
Alex explained: “We were inspired by other people doing the jump after I had been diagnosed. Last year, I was having treatment and was too poorly to attempt it, so we made a promise to do it two years to the day of that original jump. There are people in a similar situation to me, but it is about living your life to the full. I have finished my treatment, now, but it’s incurable so I have to get on with my life.
“It was a big deal for both of us and an amazing experience, just incredible. The Brainy Bunch have been so supportive and, hopefully, I will inspire others.”
The couple have raised around £1,600 with Kathryn Grimes, of the Wight Brainy Bunch, saying: “We have been doing this for several years and we usually have 20 people jumping to give them the opportunity of a great experience. This year, we’re hoping to raise in the region of £6,000.”
Another participant was 87-year-old Dot Porter, a member of Freshwater Bay Golf Club, who was jumping to raise funds for Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, the club’s charity for the year. Dot has done numerous charity fund-raisers over the years, including abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower!
Isle of Wight Observer