Karen’s ‘bucket list’ skydive raises hundreds for charity

A daredevil mum has jumped out of a plane at 14,000 ft to raise money for the charity she works for.

Karen Giles, 58, a Business Support Officer for learning disability charity Hft, took on the challenge after having it on her ‘bucket list’ to do

The jump took place at Netheravon Airfield near Salisbury and so far, Karen, who has worked for Hft at its Ryeford office in Gloucestershire for the past year, has raised £830 for the charity.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Karen.

“I’ve never done anything like it before.

“But I did have it on my bucket list and when I saw I could tick that one off the list and raise money for Hft at the same time, it was a no brainer.”

Karen, a mum of one, was strapped to an instructor for the tandem skydive.

“I wasn’t nervous at all,” she said.

“It was straight forward and I did the training and followed the instructor’s commands.

“It is the most amazing feeling and the closest you will ever get to the sensation that you can fly.”

Karen, who is a keen scuba diver, was welcomed on landing by her husband Graeme.

“He was glad to see me back on firm ground,” she said.

Karen, from Nailsworth, celebrated landing back on earth with a glass of cider at a local pub with Graeme.

The money raised from the skydive will go towards supporting core projects at Hft and a Christmas party for learning disabled adults supported by Hft across Gloucestershire.

“The Christmas party was such a success last year that the people we support we really keen to do it again,” said Karen.

“The money I have raised will go towards this year’s event where everyone can enjoy celebrating the festive season together.

“My target is £1,000 so I’ve still got a little way to go but my fundraising page is still open if anyone wants to donate.”

Karen added that although she was going ‘take it easy’ for a while, she hasn’t ruled out another fundraising challenge.

“If the right thing comes along, I am keen to do another challenge to raise more money for Hft,” she said.

“But for now, I’ll just take a little time to recover from jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet and look forward to enjoying the Christmas party,” she said.

Hft Community Fundraising Manager Emma MacDonald said: “I'm delighted that Karen went the extra mile to take on a skydive challenge and surpass her minimum sponsorship target.

“Her efforts will make a huge difference to the lives of the learning disabled people we support here at Hft. Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so at Karen Giles is fundraising for Hft. If you would like to take to the skies like Karen visit Take the dare, show you CARE - Hft