Local counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) is celebrating a year of its supporters 'flying for WHY', with more than £8,300 raised during 2023 at charity skydive events, despite weather delays for several participants.

Frome College teacher Becca Beveridge was the first to jump in June 2023, kicking off the 2023 skydive fundraising with a total of £872. The final skydivers of 2023, Jason, Hannah-May and Benjamin, jumped on 17th September, rounding off an adrenaline-fuelled year with a combined total of £1,087, bringing the year's fundraising to £8,364.27.

Adam, Shimon, Lily, John and David from the team at Netitude Ltd, an IT firm based at Commerce Park, Frome followed in July as part of their 'charity of the year' partnership with WHY, raising £2,438 between them. Managing Director Adam Harling said 

"Wow! I still can't quite believe we jumped out of a plane! (and a very rattly one at that). An experience of a lifetime and something that we will cherish forever. The whole team is chuffed with how much we were able to raise for We Hear You, an incredible charity that does important work in our local community. We're so proud to have jumped for WHY... In fact, we're tempted to do it again!"

Friends Willow Harwood and Emily Clink also jumped in July. Willow said: 'The skydive was an emotional day to say the least! Personally, it is not something I will be doing again in a hurry, I am very happy to keep both feet firmly on the ground! However, Emily was a natural and loved the experience. 

We were lucky to have the sun shining for us and our family cheering us on from the sidelines. We are over the moon to have raised over £4000 for WHY'

Fundraising Officer Helen White said: "Skydives are amazing - and I can say that from personal experience, having done one myself back when WHY was PAC. They're truly challenging/terrifying...but you jump in tandem with an expert skydiver, so no need for months of training, unlike many challenge events, and you aren't responsible for opening the parachute! This year the uptake for skydives has been fantastic, as has the fundraising, and we're so grateful to our skydivers and everyone who raises funds for WHY, especially in these very tough financial times. You are the reason we can keep supporting children and adults coping with the emotional impact of cancer and life-threatening conditions. We're planning a big skydive date in April 2024 as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, so do get in touch if you're feeling brave - email [email protected]."

Skydives for We Hear You take place throughout the spring, summer and early autumn at Old Sarum, Wiltshire, in partnership with goskydive.com. To find out more about available dates for 2024, email [email protected].

Photos show: The Netitude team, Willow Harwood and Emily Clink, Becca Beveridge and the Dors family