Bright blue skies

A valiant trio of dazzling daredevils relished the rush of a full 60 seconds of freefall when they leapt from the clouds in aid of Action for Children.

Early shift work area manager, Dave Hewitt, and early shift OPGs, Jeff Stewart and Bulbinder Lally from North West Midlands Mail Centre, journeyed to Honiton, Devon, on Sunday 6 September to jump from the ultimate altitude – 15,000 ft – the highest publicly available skydive experience in the UK.

By doing so, they raised an incredible £1,651 for our charity partner, helping vulnerable children and young people, and their families, throughout the UK.

‘We were more excited than nervous as we drove the three hours to Devon on the Sunday morning,’ said Dave. ‘When we arrived though, we were greeted by rain and it wasn’t looking so likely that the jump would even go ahead. But the forecast gave us hope and we were prepared to stay until the last minute.

‘Then at 2pm, the clouds broke, and we were met by bright blue skies. And although we were now in a queue to jump, it was looking favourable that the jump was on.

‘As we watched others complete their jumps, we got more and more excited as each minute passed. Finally, at 17.30, we were taken for our safety talk and kitted out and then an hour later, we took to the sky.

‘We all absolutely loved the jump itself and we felt very safe in the hands of the professionals throughout. We got back to Wolverhampton quite late, around 11pm, and were back at work the next day tired but exhilarated.’

‘We’re already planning next year’s event and wing walking is at the top of our list for now!’

Plant manager, Ellen Lovell, said: ‘They are incredibly proud of what they have done, and rightfully so.’