On Sunday July 12, with sun splitting the skies, we sent one of our colleagues to check out the views across NI from a whopping 15,000 ft!
In aid of Evora Hospice, Kellie made her way to Skydive Ireland, Garvagh bright and early to take on a tandem skydive complete with one whole minute of freefall.
Once there, the team at Manifest (reception) got her booked in an outline of what was yet to come.
The morning started with a briefing with Centre Manager and Armagh man, Stuart Ryan, who talked the “first lift” of tandem jumpers the importance of each piece of equipment, health and safety and positioning.
There were a few shaky knees and fiddly hands from those second guessing their life choices on the benches, but Stuart – like all the instructors – is very good at putting everyone at ease.
Once briefed, everyone was sent off to enjoy the Sky Café and views of the airfield before getting called over the Tannoy to come back to Manifest to get suited and booted for the jump.
That’s it. No time to think from that point on. You meet the instructor who you’re about to be strapped to for the next 20 – 30 minutes, quick handshake, jumpsuit on, goggles around neck, they hang you up for a “practice landing” and walk you out to the plane – propellor whirring!
Once inside, you make the 2o minute climb to 15,000 ft. All the while, your instructor chats away. Kellie’s instructor, Neal took on the role of “tour guide” pointing out all the key areas from the sky, Portrush coastline, Coleraine, Donegal.
Just before hitting altitude harnesses get tightened up and all the checks are made by those with the know-how.
There was a group high-five and the door opened.
Everything from that point on is heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping fun!
Kellie said: “It’s an experience that can’t be put into words. It’s true when people say that as soon as you hit the ground, you want to go straight back up and do it again.
“There were tandem jumpers of all ages in the centre ready and raring to go and it’s an experience none will forget.
“It’s an unforgettable way to raise money for charity. The team at Skydive Ireland are also intensely proud of the fact that they help so many people raise thousands for such important causes every single year. You can see what it means to them to be a part of it.
“Evora Hospice are in constant need of funds and they are always keen to book on skydivers in partnership. If you have been toying with the idea, stop now. Email Evora Hospice today and do it! Trust me, you won’t regret it!”
And, if you just know you’ll never be able to throw yourself out of a perfectly good aeroplane but would love to help further the incredible work of Evora Hospice there are countless other ways to get involved.
Most importantly, remember to always support the fundraisers of others – if you can. A little goes a long way!
Said Kellie: “A big thank you to everyone at Skydive Ireland for getting me down safe. But a very big thank you has to go to Manager Stuart for literally everything, the lovely Sorcha at Manifest, Mike for his incredible time-delay passing stories and wonderful wit, hype man / camera man Gavin and last but by no means least – the man who I entrusted with my life, Neal!
“And to everyone who sent money across through GoFundMe – a massive thank you!”
Contact James at Evora Hospice to book your own skydive here.
Contribute to Armagh I’s GoFundMe page here.
