Grandfather takes celebrations to new heights

To look at Brian Standring you would think he’s like any other regular grandfather; someone who likes doing crosswords, enjoying peaceful walks in the countryside. That’s until you hear how he’s just celebrated his 75th birthday!

Brian from Hemyock, wanted to go a step further than the marathons he’d ran and fundraising events he’d organised in the past, and he did this by throwing himself from the fastest jump-plane in the UK, from an altitude of nearly three miles high! What’s more, Brian did his ‘birthday skydive’ to raise money for eight charities, including Hemyock pre-school, scout group and churches.

Brian’s fundraising campaign started months before the planned skydive as he “wanted to raise as much as possible”.

Brian said: “I raised £2,000 between the eight charities so I’m really pleased about that. It took a lot of effort and support from those around me so I’m thankful to everyone involved.”

Brian’s skydive took place at Dunkeswell Airfield with one of the largest jump centres in the country; Skydive UK.

Louise Banks, Charity Coordinator for the centre, says: “All of our customers are special and jump for various reasons, but the lengths Brian went to with his fundraising is truly admirable. I’ve worked closely with Brian from the start and the passion he had for these charities was clear to see and truly paid off.”

Louise continues; “It was with great pleasure to finally see Brian falling at 120mph after all the work he’d put in and the smile on his face said it all! He was a great customer who will not be forgotten in a hurry.”

Brian says his skydive was “full of fabulous feelings; the views were totally breathtaking, especially as I’m from the local area so I had fun spotting familiar landmarks! Everything at Skydive UK was so professionally run that I was reassured and at ease from start to finish. The staff even sang happy birthday when I was back on the ground which added a personal touch to a special day I will never forget.”

Brian would recommend a skydive to anyone; “My age didn’t stop me enjoying every second of my skydive; I’m even planning to do it again for my 80th birthday – much to my relatives’ amusement! If you’re thinking about doing a skydive, don’t think twice! It’s such a wonderful thing to experience that I wish I’d done it sooner.”

If you would like to take part in a skydive for charity or for a special occasion, please contact Louise Banks at Skydive UK on; 01392 860048 | louise@skydive99.com