A family duo with a head for heights have signed up for an adrenaline-charged skydive to raise funds for charity.
Father and daughter Alan Green and Louise Trotman are bravely set to plunge 13,000 feet when they take on the nerve-jangling feat at Beccles on 28th September.
The pair, who live in Frinton, have signed up to show their support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
“It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this,” said Alan, who runs Weeley-based Greenspeed Autostylists.
“I’m quite comfortable with heights, though, and am fortunate to fly lots. I even learnt to fly gliders back in the early 1970s.
“Flying is something I’ve always enjoyed, and it’s such a phenomenal experience when you break through the clouds.
“I appreciate this will be very different, but I anticipate being fine on the day. Only time will tell!
“It’s going to be a new experience, and I’m going to embrace it.
“I know some people close their eyes the whole way, until they’re safely back on the ground, but I’m going to keep mine wide open. I want to enjoy and savour every second.
“It’s a great opportunity to create a memory – not just for me, but for my girls and grandchildren, too. I hope they look back on the day with real fondness.”
Alan’s wife, Linda, is a volunteer at the EACH shop in Connaught Avenue.
The pair attended last year’s skydive event to show their support for friend Judith Harris, who volunteers for EACH in Dovercourt.
“Judith really inspired me, and I got a real buzz just from watching,” said former parish councillor Alan, 74.
“I was even tempted to do it on the day, but it felt wrong on that occasion, and I didn’t want to take anything away from Judith’s achievement. It was her special day.
“However, I vowed to myself that I’d do it this year, and we signed up as soon as possible.
“It’s always appealed to me because we have a boat moored at Beccles. I often look up at the planes thinking I’d love to do a skydive.
“Now I’ve got that opportunity, and I’m delighted to be supporting an amazing charity like EACH.
“I’ve been stunned by the support people have shown, including many who barely know me. They’ve been so kind and generous.
“I’m so chuffed to have raised what I have so far, and hopefully more will follow between now and the 28th.”
Louise, 45, is a foetal medicine midwife at Ipswich Hospital.
Alan and Linda have two other daughters, Emma and Sarah, and eight grandchildren.
“Family has always been a central part of my life, and that’s something I respect about EACH,” said Alan.
“We do a lot together, and, ironically, I’ll be back up in the air two days later – albeit on a much bigger plane – when we fly out to visit Sarah in Seattle.”
Click on these links to show your support for Alan and Louise.
Meanwhile, there is still time to sign up for the EACH skydive on 28th September. To find out more and book, click here.
