Tandem SkyDive for the #DoIt4Survivors £75k Fundraising Campaign

On Sunday 3 May 2026, after several weather delays and a lot of anticipation, the skies finally cleared and Julie, Mick and I took on a Tandem SkyDive at Headcorn, Maidstone, to raise funds for SOB – Survivors Of aBuse.

Together, we raised approximately £6,000 as part of our ongoing #DoIt4Survivors £75k Fundraising Campaign.

It was an exciting, emotional and unforgettable experience, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who sponsored us, encouraged us, shared our posts and supported the campaign.

Suggested main image: Julie, Mick and Chris under the “Welcome to GoSkyDive” sign.

Why We Jumped

Survivors Of aBuse exists to support adult survivors of abuse to rebuild their lives, piece by piece.

Our work includes the Breaking the Cycle™ programme, an accredited, trauma-informed, psychoeducational course that helps survivors understand the long-term impact of trauma and begin rebuilding confidence, self-worth, health, wellbeing and hope for the future.

The money raised through this skydive will help us continue providing support, resources and opportunities for survivors who may otherwise struggle to access the help they need.

Every donation, share and act of support helps us keep this vital work going.

The Build-Up

There is something very powerful about standing on the ground, looking at the sky, and knowing that in a short while you will be jumping from a plane.

The preparation, safety checks, harness fitting and final photos all became part of the experience. There were nerves, excitement and plenty of encouragement from the GoSkyDive team.

A huge thank you to GoSkyDive for making the day feel safe, well-organised and memorable. The team were professional, reassuring and supportive throughout.

I would especially like to thank Simon, my instructor, who was calm, kind, funny and reassuring from start to finish.

Suggested images:

Chris having her harness checked.

Julie and Chris smiling before the jump.

Mick ready in his skydiving suit.

Watch the Skydive

You can watch the Tandem SkyDive video here:

https://youtu.be/o7lC_gX6zuM?si=37xrdSga8gM5RE_R

The video captures the build-up, the jump itself and the emotion of the day.

Courage Looks Different for Everyone

For some people, courage is taking part in a challenge event.

For others, courage is getting through another day, asking for help, joining a group, speaking their truth, or beginning the long process of healing after abuse.

At Survivors Of aBuse, we understand that bravery does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it is quiet. Sometimes it is private. Sometimes it is simply choosing not to give up.

This skydive was our way of standing alongside survivors and saying:

You are worth fighting for.

How to Support Us

If you would like to sponsor the campaign, donations can still be made via our JustGiving page:

www.justgiving.com/s-o-b

You can also support Survivors Of aBuse by:

• donating
• sharing our campaign
• introducing us to potential sponsors
• taking on a challenge event
• helping us reach people who may want to fundraise for the charity

If you would like to take on a skydive for Survivors Of aBuse, please get in touch. We can help arrange this through GoSkyDive, with jump locations available across the country.

Thank You

Thank you to Julie and Mick for taking on this challenge with me.

Thank you to GoSkyDive, to Simon, and to everyone who donated, shared and supported us.

Together, we are helping Survivors Of aBuse continue its mission:

Rebuilding you piece by piece.

Empowering futures.

There is love, life and laughter after abuse.

To find out more about Survivors Of aBuse, our work, our programme, or how to support us, please visit:

www.survivorsofabuse.org.uk