In aid of Thera South West, Sam Avery recently organised a skydive to raise money for the people that they support. After weeks of raising funds they have raised £1,530 which will go towards a fun day for the people they support – a cornerstone of Thera South West’s calendar which provides people with lived experience an opportunity to socialise, build relationships, and make memories. Dean, a person supported by Thera South West, explains what the event means to him:
I have fun at the fun day. We had a look around and there was lots of activities, it was all so good. I talked to people lots, it always makes me feel good talking to people, I like spending time with other people, I like having friends.
Sam tackled this challenge to ensure people like Dean could continue to enjoy the day. The skydive was a particular challenge for Sam as it was her first experience of being in a plane. She explains:
It was my first time ever being in a plane and I was jumping out of it! I was nervous and a bit scared but once we were up there the views were amazing it was life changing.
The day was an early start. Due to fear of bad weather cancelling it Sam and Executive Assistant Corrina has to be there for 7.30 am. The jump was donne at Go Skydive in Salisbury. Upon arrival Sam was given training on how to hold your legs upon landing and given time to get used to the harness. Then it was time to take to the skies.
We went up in groups of 8. Some people were jumping at 7,000 feet and I was jumping at 15,000 feet. We got to 7,000 and I asked ‘is this it?’, and they said ‘no we’re going up twice as high.’ I was just like wow okay am I really going to do this. But I did.
Of the jump, Sam had very positive things to say:
It was the best day of my life I’d just recommend everyone to do it. It’s a bucket list item for a lot of people and I’m so proud of myself for being able to do it both for myself and for Thera South West. Whenever I got nervous or scared I just remembered who I was doing it for and I really didn’t want to let anyone down.
On top of the incredible amount of money raised for Thera South West, Sam has also gained confidence and a desire to continue her adventures.
I’d never been on a plane before and now I’m ready for a holiday abroad. Bring on the next adventure!
Estelle Christmas, Managing Director, who attended and watched Sam’s jump, shared her own thoughts of Sam’s jump and the impact she has had on Thera South West.
I am very proud of Sam’s courage and what she has achieved for, and on behalf of, the people Thera South West support. The funds raised will make a huge difference to the enjoyment that everyone will have at the Fun Day. A big THANK YOU to Sam for all that she has done.
Strategic Fundraising Lead, Sarah, added:
We are all so proud of Sam and what she has achieved. Sam has been so brave, having never even set foot in a plane before. Sam has well and truly put herself outside of her comfort zone, all to raise funds to enable everyone at Thera South West to have an amazing Fun Day. A big thanks too to everyone who has donated. Well done Sam, what an achievement.
Whether that be jumping out of a plane, like Sam, or something with both feet firmly on the ground, every penny raised helps us to provide support to people with a learning disability.
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