2 Jun 2022 Community

Skydivers reach new heights and help to raise an awe inspiring £9,490!

Ever wondered what it feels like to freefall from 15,000ft at speeds up to 120mph?
Well, our team of brave skydivers found out on Sunday, 8th May and lived to tell the story!

In the early hours of Sunday morning, our skydivers had embarked on their epic challenge, arriving at Skydive Hibaldstow, near Lincoln to check in for what was set to be the biggest bucket list tick of the year!

Greeted by our community fundraiser, Julia Owen, the teams, and individuals were checked in and completed their safety briefing. In attendance on the day were several fundraisers who were jumping in memory of loved ones. Brave skydivers like Symone, who was jumping in memory of her beloved dad, who had sadly died just days before her jump. Dominic, in memory of his mum with support of his friend James. Victoria in memory of her grandad. Hayley in memory of her mum. Gary for his aunt and friends.

Sandra and Michael our birthday skydivers, Sandra deciding to take on the challenge to celebrate her 60th birthday, with support of Holly Jumping alongside here and Michael who had received the skydive as a birthday gift from his wife.

A team of skydivers from Illingworth & Gregory (I&G), part of the Sewell Group, also signed up for the adrenaline fuelled challenge. This year, I&G are celebrating their 50th year in business and have partnered with The Kirkwood to raise £50,000 as part of their 50/50 challenge. Some of the team in attendance were no strangers to heights following the completion of another pulse raising challenge – abseiling down the K2 building in Hull.
Completing the skydive were (in order of appearance on the photo below):  Eliza, Gracie, Ellie-May, Helen, Thomas, James, Paul. R, Paul. D

Gracie Harvey, PR & Events Coordinator for Sewell Group / I&G comments on the day’s events:

"Having been quite heavily involved in I&G's £50k for 50 years fundraising plan, I was chuffed to be able to take part in one of the events myself.

"This was my third skydive, and I can honestly say it was my favourite one so far. Not just because it was the highest in the UK, with a free fall lasting forever! But I also feel it had a completely different feeling to jump knowing we were doing so for such a great cause.

"We've chosen to support The Kirkwood for I&G's 50th year - and beyond - because it is a charity close to a lot of our hearts. It's local charities like The Kirkwood who are so closely embedded within the community that need the most support, and we're just glad to be able to play our part."

Community fundraiser Julia comments:

“It was a fantastic day; the sun was shining, and everyone had perfect landings returning with a sense of achievement and smiles. On behalf of our patients, their families, and The Kirkwood team, I’d like to thank all our skydivers for taking on this incredible challenge.  As Community Fundraiser, it was very humbling for me to chat with our brave skydivers and their families and friends on the day and to hear about the care that their loved ones received from The Kirkwood.”

In total the team of skydivers collectively raised an incredible £9,490!
We are blown away by this total and in awe of your bravery. Thank you to all our brave jumpers and those who supported them.

If you would like to jump for The Kirkwood, we’ve got some good news! We have secured a new date for this year: Sunday, 9th October. You can sign yourself up in memory, nominate a birthday person or release your inner daredevil whilst doing something amazing to help The Kirkwood, Support Life across Kirklees. Whatever you decide, don’t delay, sign up today: bit.ly/TKSL_Skydive