JOHN Mallaghan, chair of Wokingham charity The Link Visiting Scheme chose a sunny day for his skydive.
His terrifying jump from a plane saw him fall two miles, at a speed of 125 miles per hour.
It was an exhilarating way to celebrate his birthday, and an opportunity to raise money for the charity he chairs and loves.
He said: “The Link have been doing extraordinary work in the community for over 25 years, confronting the effects of loneliness and social isolation, and spreading some joy and friendship around Wokingham Borough.
“The effects of loneliness and isolation on both mental and physical wellbeing are well understood and the need for a charity like The Link will only increase in coming years.
“Raising some much-needed funds for the Link is a privilege- even if it means jumping out of a plane from 15,000 feet.”
John explains that he has always been ready for adventure and is not averse to taking risks.
He continued: “When I heard that SoSkydive offered the opportunity to jump from the highest altitude allowed in the UK,15,000 feet, or three miles up, that was enough to convince me.
“Some would say I shouldn’t be doing this at my age (I won’t give it away, but my bus pass was in my pocket) but age is definitely no barrier.
“Falling at 125 mph for two miles, then being allowed to control the parachute myself for a few spins, on the most beautiful day we have had all year – what’s not to love?
“I would recommend trying a Skydive to anyone out there.
“You will never experience anything like it.”
John recommends that anyone deciding to skydive, could take a leaf out of his book, and make the activity even more worthwhile by raising money for The Link Visiting Scheme.
The organisation was founded 25 years ago to help reduce loneliness amongst older people and to bring generations together in friendship and shared experiences.
The charity arranges one-to-one befriending, friendship groups, activities, events and long-term projects such as Community Kitchen and Link to Nature.
They provide quality time and focused attention on individuals who can often feel invisible and forgotten.
For information, visit: www.linkvisiting.org, and for the skydiving company, search for GoSkydiveUK on Facebook.
Anyone wishing to support John’s fundraising skydive, can visit: www.localgiving.org/fundraising/Linkskydive
