For the past six weeks or so Jitka and I have been busy raising funds for the Winchester Project, with a sky dive the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. To be honest for much of that time the dive has been the last thing on our minds with much work going into raising the funds in the first place, with such mental distance being very useful in offsetting any nerves hiding around the corner.

Alas with the massage completed at the Falling Leaves the fundraising was largely done, we set off to Beccles in Norfolk to do the deed with a dozen other brave souls. We got to Winch HQ around 8am on the Saturday morning, had a hot drink to offset the chill and squeezed into the minibus to head to the airfield.

The mood to begin with was light hearted and jovial but the nearer we got to Beccles the more apprehensive people became. When we arrived at the airfield the cloudy weather meant there was a slight backlog and we weren’t expected to jump for another couple of hours. Lunch was had (big thanks to Marilena and mum for a super feed) and we were given instructions on what lay ahead. Nervous laughter spread through the group when we informed that prior to jumping we would be dangled out of the plane whilst our instructors got into position.

After an hour or so of waiting around we were gradually suited up. I think it’s hard not to look daft in such outfits but my own ensemble seemed to push it a bit too far. Colour blindness is perhaps a virtue here but I’m told my cap was pink and blue. Stylish. To her credit I thought Jitka looked kinda cool in her Redbull kit.

Before long we were given our jump order and informed we were next up. I was glad to see that Jitka was first out so she wouldn’t have to wait around in the plane. Kudos to Maria for being at the back, that can’t have been easy at all. I was 2nd up so would be following Jitka out.

The 5 minute flight up to altitude was, erm, interesting. We were crammed into the plane like sardines. Not sure if that was out of economic neccessity or designed to prevent people running away. After the plane pierced the crowd line the enormity of what we were about to do hit home. Not much to do at that point however except man up and enjoy things. At around 10,000ft we were given final instructions.

For those that haven’t done one, you are essentially sat on your instructors lapped (strapped on of course). The hatch opens, at which point you shuffle forwards and dangle yourself out of the plane. This seems an absurd endeavour, but you don’t get long to consider your ridiculous position before the instructor is in place and you’re out, hurtling towards the ground at around 120mph.

It’s hard not to think you’re making a massive mistake when you initially find yourself falling from a perfectly functional aeroplane, but remarkably quickly the experience becomes normal and the adrenaline kicks in. The next 30 seconds or so of free-fall was fantastic, an incredible rush that I didn’t really want to end, and for a minute you don’t think it will, until the instructor jolts you back to reality by deploying the parachute.

You’re instantly jerked upwards and as the harness wedgied up I couldn’t help but wonder if it was going to hold the weight. Of course it was never really in doubt and once those thoughts were banished the view was incredible. We zig-zagged our way slowly towards the ground. The sense of flying is perhaps a cliche but it’s one of those experiences that you don’t ever really want to end, or certainly not as quickly as it seems to. It’s a very tranquil place up there.

As we neared the ground the landing routine was rehearsed and we floated down to a remarkably smooth landing. None of the crash and roll stuff I’d always associated with parachute landings. I gave Jitka a big hug and turned to see everyone else making their way down. Suffice to say everyone made it safely down and we quickly started recounting our experiences.

Overall it was a fantastic day. Many thousands had been raised for The Winch, and an experience was had that will never be forgotten. Thanks to everyone that helped organise the day and to everyone that made it so special.