DSAA Beeline, Issue 1 2017

how people help
Leap of faith
Kerry Webber wanted to thank DSAA for
helping her son Jayden. For someone who
doesn’t like heights, she made a daring
decision when it came to fundraising…
n 24 January 2015, our son Jayden, aged
O
three, was airlifted to Dorchester hospital by
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The little
monkey escaped the house and was hit by the car his dad
was reversing outside the house. Luckily he was driving
at less than 5mph. Jayden received a laceration to his
head, cuts, grazes and bruising all over his body as well as
suffering concussion and whiplash.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were deployed to
his incident and were quick to get here. The crew were
amazing; my husband was in a state of shock with images
he will now never forget. They were even there to offer
me a paper bag when I felt queasy during the flight to
Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.
I am pleased to say that Jayden is now doing well and
enjoying his first year at school. He and his dad both
experienced nightmares for a while, but I guess that’s
understandable.
As the Charity made such a difference to our lives, I
wanted to do my bit and give something back. That’s why
I decided to jump 15,000ft out of an aeroplane and raise
funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in the
process!
To be honest, I was dreading it. I don’t like heights at
the best of times and can’t even manage a fairground
ride. My dread was correct… I can honestly say it was the
most frightening, surreal and awful experience of my life.
Most people who have previously skydived say how they
Despite being
too scared to
even venture
on a fairground
ride, brave mum
Kerry Webber
decided to take
to the skies to
help DSAA
loved every minute of it and would do it again. Me, not
a chance!
The plane ride itself was fine. There were 12 of us in
total who took their turn to wiggle along the old schoolstyle
wooden bench to get to the opening of the plane.
It was my turn… I was dangling out of the aircraft at
15,000ft, shaking like a leaf with nothing but cloud below
me while my Instructor was perched inside.
I tucked my legs under the belly of the plane, banana
shaped myself around my Instructor, resting my head on
his shoulder, there was a shuffle and we were gone!
Hurtling towards the earth at between 120-140mph my
hands felt like ice and I tried hard to catch my breath. It
was a horrible feeling, which is indescribable, but I was
determined to smile, wave and put a thumbs up for the
camera, making it look like I was doing ok. It was all an
act, believe me!
Then came the realisation of the situation; my helmet
was lifting off and my harness felt so tight around my
thighs. The views were incredible and you could see right
out to the Isle of Wight, but it was all quite difficult to
take in.
At around 1,000ft I started to feel quite queasy and had
forgotten how much I struggle with motion sickness.
We touched the ground at around 30mph I believe, my
harness quickly detached and I subsequently vomited
several times.
Despite all the negatives, I am extremely proud of
myself for taking on the challenge and for helping to
raise funds and awareness for the Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance. In total, with thanks to everyone who
sponsored me, I raised £1,112.50!
Oh and finally, I thought I would mention that I have a
discount voucher for my second jump but it’s safe to say
that I won’t be using it…
The crew who attended Jayden’s incident were:
CCPs Paul Owen and Mark Williams, and Pilot
Max Hoskins
32 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
31-36 DSAA_How People Help.indd 32 09/03/2017 19:37