Fearless fundraisers were on cloud nine after plunging 13,000 feet during a daring skydive for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Twenty-eight people took on the adrenaline-charged challenge, including seven from Colchester-based business The New Homes Group, and, between them, they raised over £14,500.
The skydive took place at Beccles, and among those to sign up were father and daughter Alan Green and Louise Trotman. Alan’s wife, Linda, is a volunteer at the EACH shop in Frinton.
“It was a truly awesome experience, and we were blessed with a beautiful day and perfect conditions,” said Alan, 74.
“The team made us welcome and totally at ease about what was to come.
“My instructor and the videographer gave me a day to remember, from the moment we took off and started climbing to jumping out of the plane and then freefalling.
“To touch down smoothly was a real adrenaline-rush, and, most importantly, between us, we raised more than £2,000 for EACH.”
Also taking part was Sally Knights, from Colchester.
Eighteen-month-old son Henry has a type of brain injury called Hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy (HIE), and he and his family receive care and support at The Treehouse.
“What a surreal experience,” said Sally.
“It was an honour to jump out of a plane alongside Henry’s granny and great aunty, alongside all the other jumpers raising funds and awareness for EACH.
“It’s definitely not something I’ll forget in a hurry.”
Team EACH also included brothers Alfie and Tommy Issom, from Great Ryburgh, near Fakenham, whose one-year-old brother, Luke, receives care at The Nook.
The courageous tot was only expected to live for a day – one week at best – after being born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in March 2023.
He also has an unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect and Down Syndrome, but continues to fight and celebrated his first birthday earlier this year.
“I was over the moon with the way it went,” said EACH Senior Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller.
“It was a lovely day filled with joy, and everyone was in high spirits and on such a high afterwards.
“The adrenaline was clearly pumping, and they were on cloud nine, feeling proud of themselves, and rightly so.
“Naturally, some people raised more than others, but I think the average amount raised was about £700.
“It’s phenomenal, and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support.”
Dates are already in the diary for more skydives at Beccles in 2025.
They are taking place on 26th April and 20th September. Click on the links to find out more and book your place.
