One in a MILLION!
This week, we’re celebrating the skyhigh feats of Derek Thomas, 50, from Cornwall. He said...
Slipping on my red Santa suit, I prepared for the dizzying heights. It was a beautifully sunny day on 2 December last year, and the skies were clear.
The views are going to be insane! I thought.
Hugging my wife Helen, 50, I was buzzing with adrenaline. ‘Just enjoy it,’ Helen told me. And hopping into the plane with five of my colleagues, it zoomed off up into the sky.
Surrounded by the other Santas, the staff ensured our harnesses were secure.
‘Is this the first time you’ve done a skydive?’ the man said.
I nodded yes – I’d wanted to do a skydive forever!
‘Yeah me, too,’ he replied, before breaking into a laugh.
The staff cracked jokes to help us feel calm.
I’m doing this for you, Mum, I thought as I stepped towards the end of the plane.
I’d signed up for the Santa Skydive back in October last year to raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care.
My mum Jenny was a huge supporter of the hospice, going to every bake sale and bingo event to help raise money.
Mum loved Christmas, too – she had to resist giving me clues as to what gifts she’d bought me.
When Mum passed away on Christmas Eve 2021, aged 75, I was left feeling heartbroken.
But joining the Hospice as a trustee, I kept her memory alive all while raising money.
And when the Santa Skydive was announced, I took it as a sign from above.
Taking a leap of faith, I jumped from the plane.
Zooming towards the ground, I was free-falling for 5,000ft before the parachute was released halfway.
From the ground, it must’ve been hilarious, watching Santa free-falling from the sky!
Landing two minutes later, Helen wrapped me into a hug.
As I was presented with a special Santa medal to, I was told how much I’d raised. ‘£1,577!’ I exclaimed. I couldn’t believe it – my target had only been £300!
It meant so much more to me that I’d done it for Mum, too. While I’m unable to do the Santa Zipline for Cornwall Hospice Care this year, I am throwing all my efforts into training for the London Marathon next year, where I’ll be raising money for them, too.
And with every Christmas that passes, I know I’m making Mum proud.
●for more, please visit: cornwallhospicecare.co.uk
●search ‘Derek Thomas – My London Marathon for Cornwall Hospice Care’ on Justgiving
I keep Mum’s memory alive