SUPPORTERS of Wiltshire Air Ambulance experienced the thrill of freefalling when they took part in a skydive and raised vital funds for the charity.
Eighteen people jumped out of a plane – some from 10,000 feet and others from 15,000 feet – at Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury, on Sunday (2nd June). Taking to the skies were a number of employees from local businesses who support Wiltshire Air Ambulance, including Katrina Purell of Gooding Accounts, based in Westbury. The accountancy firm are members of the charity’s business networking group The 100 Club.
Katrina said, “This was my first skydive and it was amazing! I would absolutely do it again but I’d go higher, I’d do 15,000 feet next time. Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a brilliant charity that relies on donations and my colleagues and I want to do all we can to help, because it’s our local air ambulance and you never know when we might need it.”
So far, the skydivers have raised more than £8,200 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Unfortunately due to low cloud and rain later in the day nine other people were unable to complete their skydives, but alternative dates have been arranged for them.
Kenresa Stratford, events co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance said, “We’d like to thank everyone who took part in our skydive. For many it was a huge personal challenge and we are so proud of them. It was a shame that not everyone was able to complete their jumps due to the inclement weather, but they will do them at a later date.
“We rely on donations to provide our essential helicopter emergency medical service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties, so the sponsorship our skydivers have raised will enable us to continue saving lives.”
