Aerial angels raise £1200 and counting

Last updated 27-Sep-10 17:09

Two members of nursing staff at Damson Ward, Barnet Hospital have raised £1200 so far thanks to a skydive they performed at Headcorn Parachute Club in Kent on Saturday 25 September.

Health Care Assistant Martin Samson and Junior Sister Nadine Bristowe had already paid for their parachute jumps by themselves in order to ensure that every penny raised went straight to the da Vinci Robot Fundraising Appeal. They were supported on the day by family, friends and colleagues who all joined them at Headcorn.

Prior to getting changed for their skydive, Nadine told colleagues: "I just feel sick, but excited at the same time. Frightened, but it's going to be brilliant!"

Martin added that for him, the skydive represented a personal landmark as well as a charitable effort. "I've been trying to lose weight for years and this was the motivation. My throat's dry, my lips are dry, I'm shaking and I feel sick!"

They arrived at the parachute club at 7.30am. Training took 2-3 hours, but because the plane could only carry a handful of passengers at any one time, they had to wait until mid-afternoon for their jump. "The waiting just makes it worse," said Martin before lunch. "I just want to get it over and done with now."

Martin's parents and sister were there to cheer him on. His mother said she had "mixed feelings" about what she was about to witness, while his sister said she felt "excited but worried." His father was very relaxed about the whole event, saying he was simply "happy as it's one of his landmarks reached."

Nadine's fiancé Nick was there, and described his feelings as "proud and excited." Asked if he was planning to follow in his fiancé's footsteps with a skydive of his own, he quickly replied: "I prefer it on the ground!"

Skies were clear on take-off, but soon became more menacing and they were fortunate to perform their jump before the weather forced a delay in the club's afternoon schedule. On landing safely, Martin said he was "speechless!" while Nadine described her experience as: "Amazing! We're doing it again next year."

Their website is still collecting online donations at www.justgiving.com/barnetandchase. To find out how you can use your events to raise money for the da Vinci Robot Appeal, contact Peter Butler, Fundraising Manager on 020 8375 1619.