Dive into 2022 for your local NHS charity!

Daredevil fundraisers are being sought to take part in a skydive to raise money for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity.

The charity will take a team of 10 fundraisers to new heights during its first official aerial challenge at Skydive Hibaldstow in North Lincolnshire on Friday 17th June 2022.

Taking part in a tandem skydive for the charity will allow those with a head for heights to experience the thrill of freefalling from 15,000ft, while also raising funds for the charity.

Suzanne Rutter, Charity Engagement and Development Manager, said: “If you have a head for heights and would like to tick a skydive off your bucket list, then this is the event for you.

“We’re incredibly exited to offer adrenaline junkies the chance to do take part in a challenge of a lifetime. We really want to make 2022 the best yet. It’s is a once a lifetime experience for anyone brave enough. All the funds raised will make a massive difference to your local NHS charity, allowing us to fund more of the added extras which really make a difference to our patients and their families.”

Tandem skydiving is one of the easiest and most popular skydives – perfect for divers who have never done it before. Participants simply need a 20-minute training session before they jump strapped to a British Parachute Association qualified instructor. They will do all the hard work for you, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of flying through the clouds with the hum of the plane engine in your ears!

Skydivers can secure their place with a £60 deposit and will be required to raise a minimum of £400.

“The charity will support you every step of the way, whether it’s with your fundraising or holding your hand on the day of your dive,” Suzanne added.

Amanda Haynes, a Health Care Support Worker at the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre at Rotherham Hospital, took a huge leap of faith when she completed a skydive with her sister Callie Drabble in August 2021 at Langar Airfield in Nottingham. They raised almost £1,000 for the charity.

Amanda says it was one of the best experiences of her life.

“We were both incredibly nervous beforehand but the skydive team were brilliant at settling our nerves,” she said.

“I have to admit I did close my eyes as we tipped over the edge but it was very graceful. Then we did lots of spins and loops!

“As soon as I got back onto firm ground, I wanted to do it again. It gave me a completely different view of the world and I loved falling serenely through the clouds. I would definitely recommend signing up for the charity’s first group skydive.”

The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity raises funds to provide the extra special resources, equipment and projects which the NHS would ordinarily not be able to afford. Funds have recently been invested in autism and learning disability friendly sensory boxes, a portable hand held ultrasound machine, picnic benches for staff break-out areas, TVs and toys for the Children’s Ward and a memory tree for the Snowdrop memorial garden.

For more information about the event and to register visit: https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/Fundraising/Skydive_2022/

 If you need a little more convincing to jump out of a plane to raise money for the charity, or have any questions, please get in touch via 01709 426821 or [email protected].