Thrill-seekers jumping out of a plane for animals in need
Eight fundraisers from RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter will take to the sky for rescue pets
Thrill-seeking fundraisers will be enjoying an exhilarating and unforgettable experience when they fly through the clouds from over 15,000 ft!
Jumping from the height of the world’s seven tallest buildings stacked on top of each other, eight fundraisers from RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter will be taking on this once in a lifetime challenge that will see them soar through the sky at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon on Sunday 7 May.
George Hill, digital communications manager at the animal charity, who is one of the eight brave challengers, said: “We are an independent RSPCA branch who have been helping animals for more than 30 years. We rescue, rehabilitate, care for and rehome abandoned, abused and unwanted animals as well as provide financial support and animal welfare advice to people when they need it most.
“We have decided to do something amazing to raise funds for our charity and hopefully inspire our supporters to consider doing something similar so that they too can help raise money for Little Valley.”
The team set a £3,000 target and have already seen donations exceed the target but hope to encourage even more animal lovers to get behind them by donating.
Each of the eight individuals who’ll be taking to the sky to raise money for the charity have their own reasons for wanting to take part in such an epic challenge.
Charlotte Abbott, who will be wingwalking to mark her milestone 40th birthday, decided to take on the challenge after seeing firsthand the priceless role animals play in our lives.
She said: “The last 12 months – in which I lost my beloved cavapoo, Ruby, far too soon at the age of five, and welcomed cheeky havamalt puppy Harvey into my life – have really emphasised the value of pets, to me and others.
“I’m going to do a wingwalk and raise as much as possible to help the animals at Little Valley live their best lives.
Caroline, who has done skydiving and bungee jumping before, added: “I was in my 20s last time I did anything like that, and I’m nowhere near as brave as I used to be!”
Janet Wood, who rescued her own dog from the shelter, is another supporter who knows the importance of giving rescue animals the second chance they desperately deserve.
Staff from the rescue centre have also been raising money as they get set to take the plunge too. Alongside George Hill and CEO Hugh Lowson, animal care assistants Kerry Dunstan, Emily Meyer, Leah Cornall, and Charlene Archer will be taking to the skies for rescue animals after seeing firsthand the difference the rescue shelter makes to the lives of neglected and abused animals.
Kerry said: “This year marks fifteen years working in animal rescue, nine of those being at Little Valley Animal Shelter. What a fantastic opportunity to take the plunge, push myself out of my comfort zone and skydive 15,000ft out of a plane to raise awareness and money for Little Valley Animal Shelter.
“Over the years I have seen many animals head off to their forever homes, and this is all thanks to the generosity of donations from the public.”
To support the RSPCA Little Valley skydivers and wing walkers taking part in the challenge, please donate through the JustGiving page.
The charity is keen to repeat the challenge and would love to hear from animal lovers who’d also jump at the chance to dive from the skies. For more information on fundraising, see the RSPCA Little Valley website.
