On the 22nd August 2021 over £7500 was raised for KEMP hospice by people jumping out a plane at 12,000ft, including co-founder and director of Kidderminster based company Human Everything, Colin Noble.
Arriving at Hinton Airfield, near Banbury just after noon, the clouds were holding steady over the airstrip and the outcome didn’t look good for being able to make the jump that day. Luckily just after the safety briefing there was a break in the clouds and blue sky and sunshine.
Assembling by the single prop plane harnesses were attached and skydiving instructors paired with intrepid fundraisers.
The plane taxied into position, accelerated, took off buffeted by the wind and circled and climbed. Circled and climbed. A red light came on. Then an amber light. Then green as the roller shutter came up and then people started disappearing out the door at 12,000ft.
The initial stomach lurch subsides quickly to warm wind rushing in your face and a vista of clouds and fields during the forty seconds of freefall and then a parachute ride through the clouds and a gentle touchdown.
Colin Noble said “I didn’t enjoy the flight up but the way down was exhilarating. The anxious feelings I felt on the way up pale in comparison to the anxiety of bereavement and the work KEMP does is really supportive of people’s mental wellbeing.”
Based in the Wyre Forest, KEMP Hospice provides a wide range of services, free of charge, to the people of Wyre Forest. They support individuals, families and carers experiencing life limiting conditions and through bereavement.