The Pompey Chimes Forum

Having always said that I would NEVER jump out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft, I have relented and will be doing exactly that on Tuesday 6th September. The fact that I'll be strapped to one of the Parachute Regiment's 'Red Devils' display team at least gives me some confidence that it will be okay, though it also means I'll have no chance to bottle it on the day (as no Para worth his cap badge is going to let me do that!).

Anyway, they tell me we'll be jumping from 13,000 feet (or 2.5 miles up), and free-falling for around 45 seconds before the 'chute opens (please let it open!) at around 5,000 feet. Of course, there was only ever going to be one thing that would persuade me to make such a leap of faith, and that is to raise money for the Smile4Wessex Appeal for the Wessex Neurological Centre (http://www.smile4wessex.org).

As most of you will know, though I've been running this charity since 2004 it is much more than just a job to me so I'd be most grateful for anything you can spare in the way of sponsorship. My aim is to raise as much as possible for the charity, but I've set a target of £1,300 (£1 for every 10 feet I'll be falling). I've set up a Virgin Money Giving page where you can, if you'd like to, use your debit or credit card to pledge your support (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jump4wessex). If you're a UK tax payer then the charity can also claim an additional 25% in Gift Aid from H M Revenue & Customs (so please remember to tick the appropriate box).

I appreciate that times are tough, but every penny really does make a difference.

By the way, if you fancy joining me and jumping to raise funds for Smile4Wessex, we still have a few places left. Just drop me a PM or email and I'll send you the details of how you too can freefall with the Red Devils - and witness me turn into a gibbering wreck!

Cheers!

No Shot Sherlock wrote:....and free-falling for around 45 seconds before the 'chute opens (please let it open!)

Well that's the thing isn't it?

But seriously...brilliant stuff, Shirl. Count on my support!

Ronnie Pander wrote:

No Shot Sherlock wrote:....and free-falling for around 45 seconds before the 'chute opens (please let it open!)

Well that's the thing isn't it?

But seriously...brilliant stuff, Shirl. Count on my support!

Cheers Ronnie. Much appreciated

I'll be in.

Don't start talking to him on the way down otherwise he might just cut you free

This definitely deserves a sticky. Well done Sherl...

formerly known as wrote:I'll be in.

Don't start talking to him on the way down otherwise he might just cut you free

Talk! He'd better hope I've taken a dump before we take off!

lakespfc wrote:This definitely deserves a sticky. Well done Sherl...

Most grateful m'lady

funnily enough I told the missus I always wanted to do it and now (since christmas) I have a bloomin voucher to do it at Old Sarum airfield with Southcoast Skydive. I have the fear!! but the facebook pics look fantastic and I hope to do it this year too.

Good luck, apparently the odds for injury are 1 in 700!

No Shot Sherlock wrote:....if you fancy joining me and jumping to raise funds for Smile4Wessex, we still have a few places left. Just drop me a PM.....Cheers!

Brilliant choice of word!! Good luck, I do admire your courage.

Marriedtotheenemy wrote:Good luck, apparently the odds for injury are 1 in 700!

Phew, that's okay then. There's only 20 of us jumping that day.

AyingerPFC wrote:

No Shot Sherlock wrote:....if you fancy joining me and jumping to raise funds for Smile4Wessex, we still have a few places left. Just drop me a PM.....Cheers!

Brilliant choice of word!! Good luck, I do admire your courage.

I thought someone would spot it. And thanks, but the only courage I've ever had was Directors in a pint glass

Nice one NSS! It's something I'd love to do but not just yet. My stomach turns just imagining taht plane door opening and falling into thin air.

Rater you than me mate but good on you!

Pompski! wrote:Nice one NSS! It's something I'd love to do but not just yet. My stomach turns just imagining taht plane door opening and falling into thin air.

Rater you than me mate but good on you!

Cheers Pompski. I had the misfortune to be on a transatlantic flight a few years ago when a drunken passenger decided he'd attempt to open the door at 33,000 feet. Said door was two rows in front of me and, thankfully, another passenger decked him before he could pull on the handle. The idea of a door actually opening, and me having to jump through it, is ****ing terrifying!

I get paid again on the 23rd and will be more than happy to make a donation shortly afterwards-[ currently have MOT and tax to pay after an expensive holiday so its bread and cheese before then] I am very impressed with your courage and I am sure many people both on and off the board will support you.
Very well done:thumb

itsaintfunny wrote:I get paid again on the 23rd and will be more than happy to make a donation shortly afterwards-[ currently have MOT and tax to pay after an expensive holiday so its bread and cheese before then] I am very impressed with your courage and I am sure many people both on and off the board will support you.
Very well done:thumb

Thanks ISF, much appreciated. And as I said earlier, I don't do courage*

* Note to self: So why the xxxx did you volunteer to do this?