Jumping for charity

Brave volunteers threw themselves out of planes earlier this month, to raise funds for their favourite charities.

Volunteer Pat Metcalf completed her tandem skydive to raise money for Friends of the Animals. She did the jump as an 80th birthday challenge and a spokesman for the charity said: “We couldn’t be prouder of her.” You can still donate via iow.life/donatetoanimals or by calling their office on 522511.

Thirteen people also took to the skies, in aid of St Catherine’s School in Ventnor, which supports children and young adults with speech, language and communication needs. So far they have raised more than £7,000. Tanya Smith, event organiser, said: “It was so humbling to see the other 13 people, some with a fear of heights, take on the challenge. To see them all support each other to overcome their fear was lovely, and doing so while raising funds for St Catherine’s. We would like to say a huge thank you to the Skydive IW team who were all amazing.”

Eleven fund-raisers jumped in aid of Age UK IW. With sponsorship money still coming in, more than £5,000 has been raised so far. Amongst the team was adrenaline junkie, Helga, aged 73, on her fourth jump for the charity. Others taking part were celebrating milestone birthdays by taking the plunge while raising money for the charity. Maria Bunce of the charity said: “Obviously our primary aim is to raise money for the charity but we also want to be able to offer a fun way of doing that. We run this Skydive every year – so if you’re tempted to feel the thrill of a tandem jump while raising funds for an independent, local charity, keep an eye out on our website. If you would like to support Age UK IW visit iow.life/ageukinfo.

The IW Observer’s intrepid photographer Chris Cornford also took to the skies along with 15 jumpers for Wessex Cancer Support (formerly Wessex Cancer Trust). He jumped for the charity because he lost his brother and father to cancer, and his stepdaughter is currently going through a cancer journey. He said: “It was incredible, falling through the clouds at 120mph has to be experienced to be believed. I thoroughly recommend it to anybody – and of course if you can raise money for such an important cause at the same time that has to be a good thing.” He has hit his target of £500 but you can still make a donation to support Wessex Cancer Support at iow.life/chrisjump.