A team of first-time sky divers are preparing to jump out of a plane 15,000 feet (three miles) above ground to raise money to fund much-needed transport for residents at a care home in Harrogate.
The 13-strong sky diving team is aiming to raise £6,500 to help finance the minibus for Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association (HNHA), a not-for-profit organisation that runs a residential care home at Heath Lodge, an extra care housing scheme at Greenfield Court as well as other support services.
Inspired by Christine Caird, daughter of a former resident at Greenfield Court, staff at the housing association together with friends, relatives and suppliers have all volunteered to leap out of the plane on Saturday 27th June at Hibaldstow Airfield in North Lincolnshire.
Harnessed to a qualified instructor, each sky diver will reach a top speed of 120 miles per hour for one minute before their parachute opens and they land safely back at the airfield.
Post-sky dive, Harrogate Neighbours is holding a pop-up afternoon tea at the airfield with staff, families, supporters, and some service users, while a BBQ and fun afternoon is being organised at Heath Lodge on Sunday 28th June to enable the residents and tenants to join in the celebrations and commemorate Armed Forces Weekend.
Christine Caird comments: “Completing the sky dive will be the culmination of a 25-year ambition of mine and would have made mum very proud if she was still alive. It is great to be able to also raise funds for such a worthwhile cause because the minibus will enable Harrogate Neighbours to organise more days out and give residents greater freedom to enjoy activities around town.”
Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours adds: “I am delighted at the tremendous support we’re receiving from families, suppliers, businesses and staff for this major fundraising event. I am sure our daredevil thrill-seekers will make us very proud and their efforts will be a great support for our minibus fund. It will be a fantastic weekend.”
For further information and donations please go to https://www.justgiving.com/hnha
Participants in the sky dive will be:
– Fatou Bojang
– Allan Brook
– Lance Mcfield
– Yvonne Butland
– Tina Brown
– Hannah Cawthray
– Ben Johnson
– Gaynor Harris
– Debra Briggs
– Christine Caird
– James Hamilton
– Emma Wilson
– Maxine Ullmann
