Two North Walsham students to take the plunge for charity
Two North Walsham High School students are taking the plunge – literally – to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, in support of two friends who have the condition.
Year 11 students Sarah Knight and Megan Spencer will complete a tandem skydive at Beccles Airfield on Saturday 11th October – a prospect which both girls admit is ‘terrifying’.
The pair, both of whom say they are scared of heights, decided to undertake the stunt eight months ago, but were at the time too young to be considered. Both reached their 16th birthdays in September – so they will be amongst the youngest ever to have completed the skydive.
With each strapped to an experienced instructor, the pair will fly to a height of 10,000 feet in a small plane, before launching themselves into the abyss. They will freefall approximately 5,000 feet (around 50 seconds), before deploying the parachutes and gliding down towards earth for a further six to eight minutes.
“We decided we wanted to do something different to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis, as we both have friends who have the condition,” said Megan. “Last year my mum climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for the charity, so we decided to see if we could get even higher.”
“It’s really scary, but also really exciting,” added Sarah. “It doesn’t help that we are both scared of heights, but once we take the leap, I’m sure the adrenaline will take over.”
The pair’s initial aim was to raise £100 for the charity, but already pledges of £305 in sponsorship have been made. In addition, the girls’ house at North Walsham High School (Kett) has made the Cystic Fibrosis Trust their chosen charity for this school year.
Anyone who would like to sponsor the girls can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/megrahskydive.