Eight members, family and friends of the Wessex MS Therapy Centre, took to the skies earlier this summer to challenge themselves and raise funds for the centre in Warminster.
They all have a strong connection with the therapy centre. Four of the skydivers have MS themselves, and the others have family with MS and know how valuable the centre is. With this in mind, they wanted to do something out of ‘their comfort zone’, and what better way to get out of ‘the zone’ than to jump out of a plane by doing a tandem skydive?
The team were very lucky with the weather, and once they had completed their initial training, up they went! They jumped from heights of 10,000 and 15,000 feet. They all felt the adrenalin rush and said it was an incredible experience. In fact, most of the them said that they want to do it again next year.
Jenny Barton who runs Enigma Pottery, Sascha Appleton and Katie Snook who all live in Frome, all jumped together. Katie said, “It was the most wonderful experience. I was really nervous going up in the aeroplane and I was praying my legs would keep working, at least until I got out of the plane. The free fall out of the plane was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I was amazed at the incredible support I got for my fundraising from the people of Frome and especially to the staff at McColl’s in Badcox.
“I have already set myself a new goal for next year to take part in Bath Half Marathon. Anita and Bronwyn from McColl’s have offered to push me round the course in my wheelchair! We are already in training.”
The team raised a terrific amount for the therapy centre, a grand total of £6903.25, which will help with continued support for their members and families in the future.
“Well done to Katie Snook, Damien Fitchett, Daniel Fitchett, Sacha Appleton, Lewis Payne, Trudie Dawson, Jenny Barton and Andreas Wasmuht for being amazing!”
Above: Skydivers Andreas Wasmuht, Katie Snook and Sacha Appleton handing the cheque to Amanda Strong, community fundraiser of The Wessex MS Therapy Centre.
