And here they all are... standing eagerly, full of pent-up excited/nervous energy, ready to jump out of a plane.
'Bonkers' you may say, and I would have to agree. But knowing these guys and their dedication to fundraising, I wasn't surprised to see them suiting up, putting their goggles on, and climbing aboard... despite some wobbly legs.
Let's meet the daredevils:
Andy
Andy is the General leading Home Leisure Direct's mission of fundraising for Mind. Andy has always had a chosen charity to donate money to, but the drive to reach a staggering £30,000 for Mind began following the loss of Michelle Beresford, wife to Andy and Director of Home Leisure Direct. The whole team has felt the loss of Michelle and every member has been incredible in standing behind Andy to support him and take part in raising money for Mind to help others suffering with mental health.
Amy, Jane and Niki
This trio of girl power has come together in memory of Chris Checketts and Michelle Beresford, two incredible people who succumbed to 2 very different mental illnesses. Chris was Amy’s partner of 9 years and Niki's childhood friend. Michelle was the co-founder and director at Home Leisure Direct, Amy’s boss. After losing two people very close to her, in a short space of time, Amy has been working tirelessly alongside Andy to bring together the team in fundraising for Mind Bristol. Jane, Amy's sister, and Niki, Amy's best friend, have joined to support Amy in her journey... we can feel the love!
Emily
Emily was actually the first to skydive for Mind, a whole 24hrs before the rest of the team. Very keen! Emily was adamant to join and had already begun raising money when she realised she was booked for 2 planes on the same day... one for a relaxing holiday and another to test out the speed of gravity. The only answer was to jump out with a parachute on Thursday, then get back on the plane on Friday (but this time to remain seated). I wonder which plane Emily preferred...
Josh
This wasn't Josh's first skydive, he is a keen adventurer and has actually lost track of how many places he's been over the years (though he loves to boast about how he's backflipped on the Great Wall of China like Lara Croft once did). As well as being daring and always up for anything, he is also there to be a listening ear and is great support for those around him. Josh was happy to add another jump to his list, and to raise money for Mind along the way.
Ollie
Ollie is the new kid on the block, only joining the Home Leisure Direct family last year, but that didn't stop him from jumping in with both feet to help raise money for an important cause. Ollie always brings a smile and definitely helped calm the nerves of others boarding the plane. What a way to get to know the team!
Dan
Dan had no hesitation when asked if he wanted to join the jump for Mind. Dan said "This charity makes a huge difference to so many peoples lives. We understand the pain and trauma of losing someone to mental illness and are determined to make a difference in the statistics." Dan's determination has taken him to great heights... 15,000ft to be exact! And the donations he has raised will certainly make a difference in the statistics, great work Dan.
Justin
The noble Justin stood as tribute. Justin is married to Home Leisure Direct's logistics manager Harriet and nominated himself to join the big jump for Mind in support of Harriet. Harriet has been with HLD forever and is the queen of making sure products get to customers safely. We think Justin was hoping Harriet would use her logistical skills to ensure his safe arrival back to earth. What a diamond for stepping up and helping raise funds for Mind.
Nic
Close friend to Andy, Nic has joined the fundraising train to support a cause she also deeply believes in. Nic says "nobody should have to face any mental health issue alone", and we couldn't agree more. Nic has never completed anything like a skydive before and has gone above and beyond to support her friend and those at Home Leisure Direct in the Mind fundraising journey.
And they did it!
Every single one arrived at Dunkerswell Airfield, followed the training brief, and jumped out of a plane. We are so incredibly proud of our dedicated skydivers and hugely grateful for all of the money they have raised. Please help us continue our journey to raise as much as well can for Mind Bristol to support others suffering from mental health and prevent as many deaths as possible.
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Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated or given their time to take part in raising money for Mind Bristol. Every donation is adding up to an astonishing amount, and this wouldn't have been possible without you. If you would like to make a donation, please click the button below: