We have some very talented parents at school who never fail to surprise us with their skills. We recently found out that we have very brave parents….others would say fool hardy. This intrepid bunch launched themselves out of a perfectly serviceable plane in order to raise money for the school.

Here is their story from one of these intrepid jumpers…….

“The day started well, the sky was blue and the sun was shining as we made our way to the airfield near Swindon. There were 3 of us who were jumping and we all bought our families along for moral support and encouragement. As with all events such as this, there was a lot of hanging around whist we waited our turn for our basic training. Fortunately, the café had a good supply of coke and crisps which kept us fed and watered.

After we had our training, it was back to the waiting around but this time to be fitted for my very fetching jump suit! Finally I was called to get strapped into harness and parachute.

My instructor for the jump was John who was very reassuring and talked me though the last few things I needed to know before heading to the place. I was surprised at how small it was and wondered how I would we would get in there all kitted up but we managed it.

The 3 jumpers, the cameraman and 3 instructors were packed in like sardines and it was very ‘intimate’ with us all sitting in someone else's lap.

The pilot started the plane and we were soon taxiing for our departure us to 10,000 feet. I am feeling a little scared now as there is no going back but I’m also feeling excited! Time passes slowly as we climb and it seems to take for ever. I keep checking the altimeter as we climb up.

Eventually we reach our assigned altitude and get the five minute call at which point the cameraman shouts ‘Don’t panic, don’t panic!’ and the pilot moves the plane in a seesaw motion – the Instructors think this is hilarious but us 3 jumpers are too busy screaming!

We are told to put our goggles on and the door opens and a rush off cold air sweeps through the aircraft.  I edge my way to the door whilst sitting in may instructors Lap. The cameraman climbs carefully out of the door and holds on to side of plane. It will be soon be my turn – remind me what I said I would do this? My heart is beating so fast…..I don’t have time to think, and before I know it I’m out of the aircraft falling down to the earth. The noise of the wind is deafening and I see the perfectly good plane I was on just a few seconds ago, get smaller and smaller as I travel through the air at an exhilarating 120 miles per hour.

There is hardly time to register what is happening and before I know it, my instructor taps me on shoulder to move hands out in to the free fall position I was taught on the ground. Time speeds up and after about 10 seconds he taps me again to bring arms in to brace myself ready to deploy the parachute.

Parachute opens then we glide down. this is such a contrast form travelling through the air at 120 mile and hour and I now have time to take it all in. My instructor manoeuvres the parachute to get over to the landing site, it’s a bit like being on a Walzter at the fair ground but so much better. I can now see my family now and we frantically wave to each other.

Now comes the tricky landing which we practised this on way down. I bring my legs up horizontally in front of me as high as I can get them. We land and I can feel the earth”

Well done to all you brave people and a BIG thank you to all you mad jumpers!