6 Nov 2021 Community

Leap of faith pays off for thrill seeking fundraisers

We’d like to say a huge thank you to the 30 brave souls who stepped through the open door of plane at 15,000 feet this year, raising  over £20,000 for The Kirkwood. 

Fundraisers taking part in two organised skydiving events this year have raised an incredible £21,990 to help The Kirkwood Support Life here in Kirklees.  

The 30 fearless participants climbed up to an eyewatering 15,000ft – the highest you can jump from in the whole of the UK – before plummeting toward the ground at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Thankfully each of the thrill seeking fundraisers was strapped tightly to an experienced skydiver who was able to guide them safely back to terra firma with the aid of a trusty parachute. 

Jumpers took part across two days in 2021, the first on 22nd May and the second on the 19th September. It was a thrilling experience that none of the participants will forget in a hurry. 

One of those intrepid participants was Duncan Batty, Director of Income Generation & Marketing with The Kirkwood. He was one of the first to jump during the September event. 

Duncan said: “It was amazing to take part in this year's Skydive and to do so alongside so many members of The Kirkwood community. If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it's to value the time we have with our loved ones and the memories we make together. 

“I took part with my son, and we were both terrified, but he loved every minute, and so did I. We took part to conquer our fears and do something positive for The Kirkwood, and I know that others had their own stories and personal reasons for taking part with their own families and in celebration of those they love. 

“The Kirkwood are all about supporting life and helping our patients and families to live the very best quality of life and make the most of every moment. The £20,000 raised by the whole team of skydivers will ensure more of our patients are able to share the things that matter most to them, with those that matter most to them.” 

Community Fundraiser Joanna Doherty said of the event: ‘It was a privilege to be there to support all our skydivers on the day, what an amazing challenge they completed to raise funds for us.  

They were all nervous, but it was lovely to see how much they enjoyed the experience and how much they enjoyed the adrenaline rush. It was lovey to finally meet them all too, especially after the uncertainty around events during the pandemic’. 

Duncan Batty Director of Income Generation & Marketing from The Kirkwood was one of the Skydivers himself and said about his experience of the event: “It was amazing to take part in this year's Skydive and to do so alongside so many members of The Kirkwood community. If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it's to value the time we have with our loved ones and the memories we make together. 

If you have been inspired to take part and want to experience the adrenaline rush for yourself, whu not sign up for our next skydive, which will take place on Sunday 8th May 2022. Places are limited so book today to avoid disappointment. 

Find out more at: www.thekirkwood.org.uk/events