Maggie getting kitted out

On Sunday 2nd July 2006, a group of brave people took part in a sponsored tandem parachute jump to raise money for IRHH at Weston on the Green Airfield near Bicester. Read an account of the day written by skydiver Maggie Parkins:

“My sky dive for IRHH on 2nd July 2006 was for me an opportunity to affirm life. It was also a chance to have fun, to raise the heart beat, to challenge myself as an older (59 years) woman and indeed as a sizeable jumper at !!!!!! kilos AND to raise money. When collecting sponsorship, the general response was that I was 'crazy' and one friend even asked if she could sponsor me NOT to dive! However my husband was very keen (?) and was my first generous sponsor!

On the day (get there early for an early jump) it was hot, hot, hot so falling into cool space was a relief. It must also have been a relief for my lovely tandem diver, Chris Good, as you are strapped to your partner in a very close position during the 10 minute ascent.

Have your dive filmed! It is such great entertainment for your sponsors…….far better than leafing through last year's holiday snaps! My family noted that I kept kissing men - my dive partner of course, but who was that strange dude in a tee shirt and amazing frizzy hair? Just a sky dive junkie who understood my enthusiasm!

So an adrenaline high to remember for ever, wonderful views of the Chilterns, camaraderie with your group and dive team, and a good total of £1500 for IRHH. The only health warning I would issue is that if you are a larger lady, being strapped tightly into your suit doesn't flatter! But then who cares!” Maggie Parkins

IRHH are holding another special parachute jump day on Sunday 3rd June 2007 . We have people singed up already, including a granny and her granddaughter, skydive virgins and people excited about experiencing their second jump! So it can't be that bad! Join the IRHH skydivers and make a difference. For a parachute information pack email lhewitt@irhh.org or call Louise on 01442 890222.

Maggie Parkins with her lovely tandem partner