Anna tells us all about her dive
Millions of people donate financially each year to charities.
However, many do not have the means to reach into their pockets and help. There are other ways to help from volunteering to raising funds by doing sponsored events like walking, cycling and even jumping from a plane. 2 Shades talks to someone who did exactly that, our columnist Dr Anna Kennedy OBE.
1. Anna, what on earth made you want to do a sky jump?
To be honest it was the last thing on my bucket list. We were brainstorming ways to raise funds for my charity Anna Kennedy online. One of our Patrons Steven Smith mentioned he had sky jumped out of a plane to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer charity a few years back.
Three of the team, Steven, Aston Avery and Lisa Robins, decided they would all jump to help raise awareness. Quickly I made it clear that my contribution was to wave firmly on the ground. My fear of heights was too great to even think about doing it. Steven kept teasing me “You’re always getting others to do things outside their comfort zone, and they thank you for it”, and “Lead by example”. Thanks Steven I thought!
A few months ago, I spoke to Marie Hanson MBE (one of our Autism Hero Award judges) who had just jumped out of a plane and loved it so much that she was considering another challenge. Marie also had a fear of heights and said, “Go on Anna, you can do it!” So, I did!
2 Tell us about the location where you did the jump?
We travelled to Peterborough to “UK Parachuting” at Sibson Airfield https://ukparachuting.co.uk. It is about fifteen twenty minutes from Peterborough station and they really looked after us.
There is a great café, and they advise you not to jump on an empty stomach. Steven was gutted as new rules meant that if your over 100kg the insurance won’t cover you for the dive. He was 4kg over and was not allowed to jump. Our wonderful AKO volunteer Stacey Moore took his place what a hero she only came out to wave at us and was not allowed to jump.
K PARACHUTING PETERBOROUGH
3. Did you think about changing your mind in the lead up to the jump?
Steven travelled up with me and was making me laugh. It helped as I was not thinking about the jump. In the lead up, getting sponsorship occupied my mind and it was exciting as funds came in, so it took my mind off the fact that I was going to be hurling towards the ground to raise the money.
4. Was there training involved?
It was professional. After a weigh-in and registration there was a bit of a wait and time to grab a coffee. Then there was a class with the lead instructor who was clear and concise, so he kept you at your ease. They were not going to let you fly unless you had understood the whole process.
Just before you got on the plane, they went over any questions and were just brilliant and made it fun too.
5. Were you scared getting on the plane and taking off?
It would be a lie if I said, “No!”
Just prior there were a herd of elephants doing a Zumba class in my tummy. For sure the egg sandwich from the café though delicious seemed like a very bad idea. But the team spirit and the instructors once we got on the plane made me feel calm and excited.
6. What was the jump like?
The first few seconds of the jump and free fall were a little scary. Imagine being in a tumble drier that is also a freezer. Kind of “What have I done?!”
Once those few seconds were over, I thought ‘Anna get a grip’, then I began to enjoy the whole experience and the beauty of the environment. It was exhilarating.
7. Were you relieved when you landed?
A little but so happy too that I had enjoyed the experience and immediately gave a short speech about the charity and our work.
8. What did your family and friends say about you doing the jump?
My son Patrick was worried and asked for reassurance I was not going to die or have a heart attack. I said we were in the safe hands of professional people who have been supporting the public for years who wanted to experience the skydive.
9. Would you do it again and how much did your raise?
Yes, I would love to do it again now I know what to expect! We were all so grateful to raise £3700. If you sponsored us, we really do appreciate it. We are only a small charity and every £1 counts.
10. How do people donate?
Online at www.annakennedyonline.com
Help sponsor us by contacting press Steven Smith spman@btinternet.com or lisa.robins@annakennedyonline.com
2Shades Magazine 