April

Well – what an experience!

It all happened so fast once we were up in the air that I really didn’t have enough time to be as scared as I thought I was going to be - and some coping strategies I learned for my fear of flying really helped whilst I waited on the ground.

From being on the ground to 12,000 feet in the air and then shuffling out into nothingness was such an amazing experience – I wanted to do it again straight away!

When I was brave enough to stop screaming during freefall and actually took in what I was seeing, the views were stunning! It lasted about 45 second or so (that seemed more like 10)  - but once the chute opened (phew!) the views were breathtaking to say the least. I could see from the River Orwell to the coast and over into villages far away to the north. Apparently the little white dots were sheep.

The instructor who I was strapped to, who was a part of UK Parachuting from Old Buckingham Airfield, was absolutely superb – kept talking to me and pointing out all sorts of things down below us – he kept us up in the air for what seemed likes ages, but in real time was around about 5 minutes. The flight down was so smooth and quiet  - so peaceful.

The landing was as smooth as can be – all I had to do was tuck my legs up to avoid hitting the ground first  - and Adie – the instructor, basically walked us down to the ground. Not like the old landings of yesteryear when you had to have both feet together and roll over on impact!

In the end, thanks to the support of all those who sponsored me on this mad venture, I have pulled together £650 or thereabouts for St Elizabeth Hospice. The opportunity to donate still exists on the web site at www.justgiving.com/aprilsleapoffaith .......

A huge thanks to all those who sponsored me, encouraged me and helped make the day such a superb experience and worthwhile.

Ape.

Just had to write and say I saw "Madness" last night perform at a gig called Newmarket Nights - where you enjoy an evening of horseracing followed by a music act.

The Gig was sold out - 22000 people attended and it was absolutely fantastic.

They did all their old songs plus a lot which I hadn't heard before - they were MAD as well.

Off now to buy the new Harry Potter book

:)

OK - this is my first blog.

I live in Felixstowe (about as far east as you can get without falling into the sea - so there is absolutely no point in telling people to drop in if passing - because no-one passes Felixstowe - you either plan to come here or not!).  I like living here because I love the sea and I am near my mum and dad again (having spent many years away).

I am married and am mum to 3 lovely children and step-mum to another 3 lovely children :)

I work as a Registered Nurse in a Hospice which is demanding but very rewarding work.

I help run a Brownie pack and am planning to take them away for a weekend in September - mad - but fun!

I love to walk and recently completed a 25mile walk locally (The Orwell Walk see - http://www.orwellwalk.org.uk/ )

And in August I am going to jump out of an aeroplane at 10000 feet (strapped securely to an instructor and parachute!) to raise money for the Hospice.  Many people do not realise that hospices in the UK are funded primarily by charity and without this continued support would have to shut, which would be terrible for the future of terminal care.  Sermon over - check out my web site if you like: http://www.justgiving.com/AprilsLeapOfFaith

Well that is it for now but I will be back and forth, checking this and adding entries.

Please send me your comments

Ape.