As a Martlets volunteer I read in the forthcoming events that The Martlets were asking for volunteers for a tandem parachute jump. This sounded very exciting and I immediately applied. The paperwork was easy, and having completed the medical form (required for the over 60’s) I received a date for the jump.

I duly arrived at the airport at about 8.30am and did the necessary training. However it was the day of the snow in Kent and the jump had to be postponed at lunchtime. I arrange for the jump to take place a week later but asked to phone first in order not to have a wasted journey. This time the jump was cancelled because of a fault with the plane!!! After a few weeks I then got the 3rd invite, duly arrived at 7.30am. By 11am I was in the harness and ready to go. Unfortunately the weather was again iffy. After waiting all day I eventually boarded the plane at 7.15pm

Wow what an experience, until we took off I was very excited but being the first to jump (of 3) I was sitting near the door and as the ground disappeared so did the excitement, I just closed my eyes and waited to do the jump. I have to confess that the waiting was worth waiting for, the experience of ‘flying’ was so calming and watching the picturesque view of Kent was lovely. The only bit I didn’t like was that the harness felt like it was cutting into the top of my legs. The landing was perfect (so my instructor said) and all too soon it was over.

For all the delays and pain from the harness (next time I will remember to take padding) I can thoroughly recommend doing this, no matter what age and I am certain I will do another one in the not too far ahead future.

I must say thanks to Clem for her support and my instructor who was so encouraging all the way through. Also thanks to John (my husband) for being there each time to support and drive me there, and finally the staff in Medical Records (Southlands Hospital) who helped me raise about £600 by their sponsoring. (They thought I wouldn’t do it!!

Doris O’Hare (Volunteer Receptionist)