Taking to the sky’s in aid of Farleigh Hospice

Amazing, the best thing I have ever done! That is how Graham Webb from Mayland described his tandem skydive in aid of Farleigh Hospice.

Graham took on the challenge in July, at Beccles Airfield in Norfolk, and raised over £1,000 for the hospice.

“The skydive was amazing! When we arrived, we were welcomed by our instructor, and due to the current situation had our temperature checked, then we had our briefing and put on our harnesses. The instructors explained what was happening every step of the way, I couldn’t fault them.

When I got into the plane, I felt fine. I thought I would be scared and frightened, but I was completely at ease. My family were more worried than I was!

When the doors opened, and we were preparing to jump, I looked out, the views were amazing. The freefall was over so quickly, and once the parachute opened my instructor told me all about the local area, we were chatting away! My only complaint was it was over too quickly. As soon as we landed, I wanted to do it again. I am already considering a wing walk for next year.

Doing a skydive is out of character for me. I just wasn’t scared. I think in part this is due to losing my wife two years ago. My wife Tracey was cared for by Farleigh Hospice. She had a number of conditions including, cancer, diabetes, MS, and lupus. Tracey was in Broomfield Hospital when the ladies from Farleigh came over to see her. They arranged for her to be transferred to the hospice. I have never experienced such kindness and care in all my life. We will forever be in their debt.

That is why I wanted to raise money for Farleigh. I know Farleigh’s shops were shut during the lockdown, and events have been cancelled due to the virus. I wanted to do something to help.

I signed up to the Farleigh skydive and set up a JustGiving page. I also had a sponsorship form that I took into work. In total, I raised £1,000. My daughter Nicola and grandson Ryan have also been fundraising for Farleigh throughout the pandemic, baking cakes, and have so far raised over £750.

I would say to anyone thinking of doing a skydive, just do it! Once you overcome the fear factor, you will enjoy it.”

If you would like to take part in a sky dive for Farleigh visit https://www.farleighhospice.org/events/skydive