Sweens for the High Jump!

"I will be doing a tandem parachute jump from 10,000 feet - freefalling to 5,000 feet".

Well, that was the plan! The original, relatively local, airfield didn't have the facilities to cope with my dodgy legs, but I was told that Hibaldstow, near Scunthorpe could. This gave an even better experience - freefall from 15,000 feet!

The first day (Sunday 2nd April) was very frustrating, as conditions were ideal for everyone else - very little windspeed - and everyone else got to jump. (I needed a 15mph windspeed, so the instructor could do a more vertical landing, as I can't lift my legs) My friend was absolutely buzzing after doing his jump and I was itching to have a go! Wednesday was the next try - but this time the windspeed was too great. Fortunately, we hadn't made the 3 hour drive to find this out, but disappointing none the less. Thursday came - the only other day available due to work commitments - and the weather wasn't promising. Anyway, we took a gamble and drove to Hibaldstow. I'm glad we did - I finally got to do the jump. I have to say it was FANTASTIC!!!! If you ever get the opportunity to have a go, then just DO IT!>

Before being given the all clear, Noel, the instructor, checked my level of movement and constructed a 'velcro wrap' that I could put above my knee to help me lift my leg on landing - I think this helped allay any fears about the windspeed. Suited and booted in a very fetching jump suit and strapped into a harness, I made my way to the plane. All the staff and other jumpers at the centre were really friendly, helpful and accommodating - not just because of my disability, but I think they all had a shared wish for others to get the most out of their parachuting experience.

Up, up and away, excited but surprisingly not nervous. Noel gave me further instructions as we rose to 15,000 feet. The plane door opened. Everyone else jumped, except our cameraman - I was surprised at the speed the disappeared from view. My turn. We shuffled over the edge of the door and with a 1,2,3 we were out, freefalling at 15,000 feet. A small drone chute opened, which apparently slows your rate of descent from 150 mph to a much more modest 120mph! This also helps the accompanying cameraman parachutist who's shooting a video and stills of the jump.

I loved the freefall part. I don't have the words to describe how it felt, but it was invigorating, exciting, peaceful and a whole load of other thing besides! It wasn't at all terrifying - just the opposite, in fact. Then the parachute opened, which, being strapped into the harness, had an effect similar to sliding down a steep 100ft bannister, only to discover that your 'bits' are going brake your fall when you collide with a large newel post at the end.

The cameraman disappeared sharpish - he would continue to freefall to about 3,000 feet. Noel and I gently descended to the ground - admiring the view on the way down. He did ask did I want the descent 'mild or wild' and I whimped out and chose the mild option. Even though I have no intention of fathering any more children, I wasn't willing to be parted from that area of my anatomy just yet!

As we came in to land, some of the other jumpers and staff were there to help catch me if required. It really was an amazing experience.

I did all this to help Rotary's Poilio Eradication programme (details below); if you'd care to make a donation.

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My jump was in aid of Rotary's End Polio Now campaign which is so close to making polio a thing of the past. In just 25 years, Rotarians across the world, in partnership with UNICEF, WHO, the Red Cross and other organisations, have nearly wiped out this disease. Now, just four endemic countries remain. We are very close to eradicating polio and, with your help, we can end it for good. Just