Charities seek daredevil record breakers
The hunt has started to find 260 outgoing fundraisers to help break a Guinness World Record in an event set to be the largest of its kind. Skydive UK near Honiton will attempt to take 260 people for a 15,000ft tandem skydive in just one day. The record, which is currently held in Germany, stands at 251 skydives to take place over a 24th hour period and was set in 2013.
The event is being organised to raise money for the 50 participating charities and to celebrate 50 years of skydiving at Dunkeswell Airfield. The event coordinator, Louise Banks from Skydive UK explains: “Although this record is very ambitious, we have the two fastest jump-planes in the UK, making it achievable but only if enough people sign up!
“If each charity can find just six people willing to take on the challenge for them, we’ll have enough people to smash the current record and earn a place in the iconic book for 2015.”
One of the charities taking part is Hospiscare in Exeter, who like the other charities, will pay for supporters’ skydives if they raise a minimum amount in sponsorship (£395). This selling point is used by charities to give everyone an equal chance of taking part in fundraising events and to attract more participating supporters which in turns raises more money for the good cause.
Celia Wilkinson, Hospiscare fundraiser, says: “Hospiscare is really excited to be part of the Record Attempt because on top of the unforgettable experience of jumping 15,000 feet out of a plane, our fantastic supporters will get the chance to be in the Record books which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We will be keeping everything crossed for 24 hours of good weather on the day.”
Tandem skydives can only take place during daylight hours so Skydive UK have opted for the longest day of the year to attempt the record; summer solstice which falls on 21st June. The event will start at dawn and end when everyone has jumped or when the sun goes down – whichever happens first!
Louise thinks this is an “amazing opportunity” for anyone wanting to do something a bit different in 2014: “There are loads of reasons for wanting do skydive for charity; some people jump to celebrate a birthday, concur a fear or jump in memory of a loved one. Whatever the reason, our official Guinness World Record Attempt is a rare opportunity you won’t come across again in a hurry. It makes a very exciting and amazing experience that much more unique and notable.”
If you would like to take part in the Tandem Skydive Guinness World Record Attempt on 21st June, full details and a list of participating charities can be found here or by calling 01404 890222.
If you want to be part of the Hospiscare team, contact Celia on 01392 688052.
