Friends of ANCHOR’s oldest skydiver is encouraging adrenaline-junkies to fundraise for Friends of ANCHOR – by jumping 10,000ft from a moving plane.
The local cancer support charity organises two annual skydives, and this year’s events will take place on Sunday 19th April and Sunday 19th July in St Andrews.
In 2019, 23 people took on the challenge, raising an incredible £21,126.74 for the charity.
The badge for bravery last year went to the charity’s oldest skydiver yet, John Smith (now 71), who was aged 70 when he completed his first skydive. He said he had to “jump through a few hoops” to get his ‘fit-to-jump’ papers signed off - but said it was all worth the effort.
John saw many friends go through the ANCHOR Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, including his close friend Arthur who passed away in 2019. Hearing of the support available from Friends of ANCHOR, John felt inspired to play a part in raising funds – and now he’s encouraging others to join him.
John, who lives in Aberdeen, said: “I’ve always been interested in doing a skydive, it’s certainly something a bit different. I would do it all again in a heartbeat; the jump was awesome. My words to anyone else thinking about doing it… “Just go and do it; it’s something you will remember for your whole life.”
Carly Munro, Finance & Fundraising Co-ordinator for Friends of ANCHOR, said: “Our Friends of ANCHOR skydive is the perfect way to tick that thrill-seeking adventure off your bucket list while also raising funds for cause close to your heart. Thanks to full charity sponsorship, we can assure our fundraisers that every penny they donate will go directly towards supporting patients in the North-east of Scotland.
For more information or to sign up, email info@friendsofanchor.org,call 01224 859170 or visit https://friendsofanchor.org/index.php/events/foa-skydive
John Smith with his granddaughters, Madison Park (L) and Zoey Park (R).