Leaping into the New Year for charity

Devon Air Ambulance supporters jump at chance to sign up to skydive as charity enters its 30th year

As Devon Air Ambulance enters its 30th year of service in 2022, the charity is inviting supporters who would like to raise funds for the local lifesaving charity to take a leap into the blue with a skydiving fundraising challenge.

Over the Diamond Jubilee bank holiday weekend on Saturday 4 June, 2022, Devon Air Ambulance will be championing jumpers on its first ever Community Skydive Day. 

Fundraisers will assemble at Skydive Buzz HQ at Dunkeswell airfield in East Devon, where they will be cheered on by friends and family as they embark on their 15,000ft jump. Those who might like to take to the skies in a different way can opt for a wingwalk challenge instead.

Fundraisers’ family members are all welcome to lend support at the airfield as there will be food available and a host of fun activities to engage onlookers, as well as an opportunity to meet members of the Devon Air Ambulance team who will be happy to answer questions about the 30-year-old service.

Fundraisers who undertake the skydive challenge on 4 June are helping to keep the advanced critical care team responding to the people of Devon when they need it most and will receive a personal thank you from one of our critical care paramedics to express gratitude for their support.

Fundraisers can sign up now for the 15000ft plunge, either choosing to jump solo, or by building a team with colleagues, friends, or family. In advance of the jump, supporters can raise funds with supporting events to cover the cost of their jump. Interested fundraisers can contact the Devon Air Ambulance Fundraising Team for some helpful ideas by emailing fundraising@Daat.org

Those interested in the wingwalk can experience the thrill of a sky-high feat when they strap themselves to the top of the Wingwalk Buzz aircraft. As with the skydive, the Devon Air Ambulance Fundraising team is available to support fundraising plans ahead of the event.

Sally Hilton, Head of Fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance said: “We’re delighted that there has already been keen interest in the skydiving weekend. Funds raised by our intrepid supporters will make a big difference to our patients, especially after such a prolonged period of having put on-hold our public fundraising events.

"The weekend promises to be great fun for everyone who participates or supports the fundraisers, and we’re very much looking forward to an occasion that will help to mark our 30th year of service.”

Those interested in signing up for the skydive or the wingwalk can do so by visiting the charity's event page [https://www.daat.org/Event/jubilee-jump-skydive]