Daring duo successfully tackle skydive in aid of Age UK

Abbey Doyle, Deputy Manager at Hartford Care’s Ashley Grange care home in Downton, Salisbury; and Ash Wheatley, a member of the maintenance team at West Cliff Hall in Hythe, Southampton, put their fears aside and recently completed a charity skydive in aid of Age UK.

The skydive took place at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury on Saturday 2 September, where weather conditions meant the pair had a last-minute adjustment to their flight and they would be jumping from 15,000ft instead of 10,000ft!

Abbey says: “Completing a skydive was something Ash and I never thought we would do, but we were thrilled to take on the challenge for such a worthy cause. We were due to jump from 10,000ft, however, as we ascended, we were told it was going to be 15,000ft!

“It was terrifying watching Ash drop out of the plane and then soon enough it was my turn! I closed my eyes whilst being pushed out of the plane and was completely lost for words when I opened my eyes and was freefalling through the clouds at over 120mph. Once the parachute opened and we were safely gliding along, the view was beautiful.”

The skydive went off without a hitch and the original fundraising target was exceeded, which was always the most important thing to the two Hartford Care employees.

Abbey continues: “We are incredibly pleased to have raised £765 for Age UK and to have been able to represent such a wonderful charity so close to both our hearts.”

Nestled within Wiltshire’s countryside, on the edge of the New Forest, Ashley Grange offers residential and nursing care across 50 well-proportioned bedrooms. The home has recently undergone extensive renovations and provides comfortable communal areas and large landscaped gardens with countryside views.

West Cliff Hall is set within expansive landscaped gardens in an elevated position overlooking Hythe Marina. The spectacular views promote a relaxing atmosphere and a peaceful place to call home. Beautifully restored, the home has 59 en suite bedrooms, several bright and spacious lounge areas and a dining room which looks out across the marina. There’s also an activities room, music room and a lifestyle kitchen to encourage residents to maintain their independence. West Cliff Hall offers residential, dementia, end of life and day care, along with respite breaks.

Age UK’s vision is a world where everyone can love later life. The charity helps millions of people each year, providing support, companionship and advice and it campaigns and champions for older people’s rights, needs and wishes.