“Who wants to jump out of a plane for charity?” they asked.

“Me, me me!” I replied without hesitation and without thinking; that will teach me.

I am often told, “Monique, you need to think before you speak.”

In my defence chucking myself out of a plane at 15,000 feet has been on my bucket list for years but deep down maybe I thought I would never get the opportunity and whilst it looks good on the list, safe to say I was never really going to have to do it. Maybe that is the reason I am now absolutely terrified of what I have signed up to on June 20th 2016. It is not just your average sky dive either; it is a unique Guiness World Record attempt whereby we are part of a record attempt to see how many tandem skydives from this ultimate height can be achieved in 24 hours. It’s never been done before - probably a blimin' good reason!!!!!

My subconscious has been stalling for me over all these years; hardly surprising as I have a height phobia which has proved problematic when as an outdoor instructor I have to lead and encourage others to climb and abseil…but at least with that, I have been stood on cliff tops attached to the land with a piece of twine.

I know I’m going to be a nightmare to live with on the weeks leading up to my jump, even more than normal. Poor old Jo and the dogs are going to know all about it that’s for sure. I’m already having sleepless nights and waking up in cold sweats.

I’m not adverse to doing some crazy things; I’ve already done some stuff off my bucket list such as cave diving and surfing a 5 foot wave. I still want to swim with a whale shark and travel on a gondola through the streets of Venice. Hindsight is a wonderful thing so maybe I should have just thought about the order I am hoping to do these things in…. Out of all the “Ten Things to do Before I Die” jumping out of a plane should probably have been the tenth.

In all seriousness why am I doing this. Well my life and outlook on life changed forever when I moved to North Devon in 2014 and began working for Calvert Trust Exmoor. I cannot put into words how amazing the people are who I have met through this charitable organisation whose mission is “to enable people with disabilities to achieve their potential through the challenge of adventurous activities in the countryside.” Clients and staff alike have restored my faith in humanity and I am in awe of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of working alongside.

The Calvert Trust came in to existence as a charity on 12th March 1976; the inspiration of John Fryer-Spedding, whose vision was to enable people with disabilities to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside. He identified the lack of accessible facilities restricted people with disabilities from truly enjoying our beautiful countryside and benefiting from outdoor activity. There are two Calvert Trust centres in the North of England and one in the South; Calvert Trust Exmoor which opened in 1996. It welcomes over 4,000 residential guests and 5,000 day visitors a year, has its own on-site riding school, and an indoor climbing wall, and caters for groups, families and individuals and is the focus for my fundraising endeavour.

Please take a moment to read some examples of the feedback we have received. This is only a fraction…

Feedback
"We came to you with a disabled child and left with enabled child and enabled parents. As a direct consequence my daughter took up judo as we came away seeing her abilities and not her disabilities; yesterday X gained her yellow belt in judo. She has overcome her selective mutism, shyness, and tactile defensiveness and triumphed in a sport I would have never considered suitable. I just wanted to express my gratitude for helping give a life to a life limited child. The Calvert Trust Exmoor will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Feedback
“This family have a disabled daughter with unpredictable medical needs and their 13 year old son died in March, this year, of the same disease. You organised a last minute break for the whole family. It is always difficult to plan ahead as they never know when their daughter will be well. So this flexibility was very important to Mum.
Mum told me through misty eyes, with her hand on her heart, what an amazing time they had, a really special weekend, with some really special memories, you know the ones you remember forever'. Their daughter's disease is terminal and these memories are even more special since March and time feels so limited.”

Feedback
"Our son recently had elective amputation and as a family it has been a difficult time so to come together and achieve all these activities, laugh lots, build confidence and enjoy going to sleep in the evening was amazing.  I couldn't sing Calvert Trust Exmoor's praises loud enough, everyone goes above and beyond to make sure you are OK. We came as individuals and left as a family.”

Feedback
“Calvert Trust Exmoor proves that it is only the barriers in society that disable people, not the person's disability. X said it's the best holiday he's ever had. For me, being able to do the activities with X, rather than watching or aiding him, was an experience I will never forget.

Feedback
"Now I know I'll be OK for the rest of my life. I thought I would have to live at home for ever, now I know I won’t.”.

The Calvert Trust has been built upon the spirit of its visitors.  It has also been blessed by the dedication of its staff and many voluntary supporters.  It is indebted to the grant-making trusts, companies and individuals who have shown it great generosity.

PLEASE HELP TO CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE BY DONATING TO MY JUMP!

Don’t buy that last pint of lager, that cheeseburger ‘cos you happen to be driving past McDonalds, that Snickers bar … instead please donate the pennies to Calvert Trust Exmoor via this Just Giving page.

Every single penny counts no matter how large or small the donation. I am paying for my own jump so every penny you do give WILL go directly to Calvert Trust Exmoor.

On behalf of myself, Calvert Trust and the beautiful people and their families and friends that are enabled by our centre. THANKYOU.

Monique.

For further information
http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor/exmoor
http://www.skydiveukltd.com/guinness-world-record-attempt/