Mum and son take plunge

A DARING Perthshire mother-and-son duo took to the skies to raise money for a Forces charity – by doing a tandem freefall skydive.

Connie and Cormac Sharpe, of Blairgowrie, performed the feat in memory of father and grandfather Robert “Rab” Davidson, who served in the Black Watch for more than 24 years but died suddenly in May 2019.

After the leap, talented golfer Mr Sharpe, 18, said: “Jumping out of the plane was definitely the best bit, but completely different from what I thought it would be like, I just can’t explain it.

“The freefall was so weird: one minute I was facing the ground and the next I can see the plane above me. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. I’m sure Grandad would have been proud of us both.”

His mother said: “From day one, I don’t think it really sank in what we were taking on. I’m not a confident flyer, I’m petrified of birds, don’t particularly enjoy heights, not great with spinning things, and my ears pop at any given moment.

“So a skydive was quite out my comfort zone, but once the donations started coming in I became more and more excited.”

The duo raised more than £1,800 for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).

Ms Sharpe added: “When Dad passed away, everyone at SSAFA Perth & Kinross was so supportive to us all – especially my mum – so this, as well as the many close military ties in my family and beyond, meant it just felt right to support this branch of SSAFA.”

The skydive was carried out with the assistance of Skydive St Andrews at Fife Airport.

The pair in mid-air.