Wanted: Father Christmas thrill-seekers

A number of local and national charities are looking for daredevil volunteers to jump from a perfectly good aircraft, dressed as Father Christmas.

Skydive UK, near Honiton, have launched their annual Santa Skydive this week, set to take place from 27-29 December.

Up to 120 charity fundraisers will jump 15,000ft dressed as Father Christmas to raise money for good causes.

The traditional jumpsuits will be replaced with Santa outfits, and although Father Christmas had been invited, he's apparently declined due to the “busy time of year”. His reindeer will be having a well-earned rest too so the imitation Santas will be riding to altitude in a Beech 99 aircraft, rather than a traditional sleigh.

The event organised by Louise Banks from Skydive UK, is being held to raise money for charities at a time of year "they need it most”.

Louise explains; "It’s well known that charitable donations dip over the Christmas period, so we hope that this unusual skydiving event will help give charities the much needed support they require to continue their important work year round."

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), based at Little Bridge House in North Devon, is one of the charities looking for brave Santa wannabes.

Marina Leadbetter, events fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, has organised Santa runs across the region and is excited by Skydive UK offering a unique way for would be Santas to support the charity.

“This sounds like the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit and spread some seasonal goodwill as you leap from the clouds dressed as Santa," she says. "Rudolph might have been given some time off but we hope lots of you will jump into action and take part in this skydive to raise vital funds for life-limited children at this special time of year.”

The charities taking part are all keen to find adrenalin junkie volunteers and offering supporters the chance of having their skydive for free by raising a minimum amount. Louise says: "If individuals can raise at least £395 in sponsorship, each charity will allow them to use a portion of the sponsorship to pay for the skydive. Charities use this form of fundraising to help them attract plenty of volunteers, with a guaranteed amount of money going to the cause.”

Each person taking part in the Santa Skydive will be provided with the Father Christmas outfit and more importantly, an instructor to be strapped to!

Places can be secured with a £50 registration fee and can also be purchased as an unusual Christmas gift for a loved one.

Spaces are limited and will be booked on a first come first served basis.

For full information, please visti www.skydiveukltd.com/santa-skydive or contact Louise on 01404 890222, email: louise@skydive99.com