Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
I THOUGHT I’D DROP IN
Adventurous Airdrie woman Bianca Majewska enjoyed an unforgettable bird’s- eye view of an iconic landmark as her unique fundraiser for St Andrew’s Hospice proved a soaraway success.
She was walking on air after completing a tandem skydive from 13,000 feet above the famous Palm Jumeirah during her recent holiday in Dubai – and collecting more than £1000 for the Airdrie charity in the process.
Bianca recently presented her fundraising cheque to grateful hospice staff, having been inspired to turn her long- held dream adventure into a memorable fundraising event.
The Gartlea resident told the Advertiser: “It was absolutely amazing – I had mixed emotions as I was happy, excited and scared all at the same time, but it was fantastic and Dubai was just the right place to do it.
“I had thought the freefall would be the most scary part but that was the most amazing – once the parachute opened, you realise how high you are, and it was just so quiet.
“That was the best part; it was an amazing adrenaline rush and such an incredible experience, I don’t know how to describe it.
“Everything went really smoothly – it was just amazing to be able to see the Palm in Dubai from above, and the views were incredible.
Bianca was cheered on by her son Alex Wrotek, her partner Garry Speirs and his son Ewan.
She said: “I was chilled up until takeoff; then ahead of my jump, when the first pair went ahead of me, I started thinking, ‘am I really that high?!’
“I’d like to thank my tandem instructor Ruan Opperman of Skydive Dubai for looking after me and making sure I was safe and enjoyed the experience, and cameraman Tim Jones, who skydived beside us and delivered such amazing pictures and video.
“They were fantastic – so professional and organised, did everything for me and were checking that I was OK when it was my turn, and I loved every minute.”
Bianca previously told the Advertiser how she had always dreamed of taking on the adventurous challenge, and was then inspired to make it a charity fundraiser.
She said: “It had always been my dream to do a skydive, as I love adventures and travelling.
“Now I’d love to do it again, and in another iconic place – although I’ll maybe wait until my son is a bit older as he was a bit stressed watching!
“The hospice is a great local charity and I thought it would be good to do something to help with their work; I’m a support worker with North Lanarkshire Council and some of our service users have passed away there.
“All the money raised has gone straight to the hospice – I paid for the skydive, while in Dubai on holiday – and I’m very grateful and thankful for all the donations and support that I received.”