How did I get into this situation?
My partner Lily, has always wanted to do a skydive, me not so much. Mainly, because I am absolutely petrified of heights. Anyway, so as not to take her dream away and being an all-round 'good egg' I bought her a 15000ft skydive as a gift, but so she could share the experience I bought two thinking she could take someone along for moral support and to share the experience.
I obviously didn’t think it through! I thought she would realise that it was for her and another. But no, she thought I was doing it too and said she wouldn't do it if I don't do it as well.
I had an escape plan though...
You have to be under 18 stone (114kg) wearing a jumpsuit, not a 70s disco type, but a parachuting one. Here's the genius bit, on New Year’s Day I was 23st 10lbs (150.6kg). Yes, I know that’s huge and yet fool proof, or so I thought.
Anyway, here I am, some 4 ½ months later, 18st 7lbs (117.5kg), with only 7lbs plus the weight of the jumpsuit to go. Feeling and looking much better, but now realising jump day is getting close and that the end is nigh.
Once I’d decided to do it, I thought I would make it mean something, other than being able to remind Lily that it’s all her fault, so I decided to do it as a fundraiser.
My chosen charities are the Stroke Association and Yeovil District Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Appeal.
These are charities are close to my heart, as they have both affected Lily and I. My Mother and a very good friend’s wife have both had breast cancer, and two close friends suffered strokes in the past 10 months, one of whom very sadly lost his life and the other who is still recovering from this devastating condition.
Please make my missed meals, hunger pangs, and no alcohol worthwhile, whilst helping two very worthy causes to benefit from my fear and ‘suffering’ and your generosity. If you need more of an incentive, go back and reread the first sentence, I am absolutely petrified of heights, not just a little bit, paralysing so, to the point that I couldn’t even walk out on the balcony of a windmill. I haven’t conquered it yet, but will give it my damndest effort.
All you have to do is click a few buttons, pledge some cash and relax while I do the plummeting.
Please dig deep, which is an ironic thing to say, as they might have to do exactly that if it doesn’t go to plan!