Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice Revives Annual Skydiving Fundraiser
Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated skydiving event for the third consecutive year this summer. This year's edition has been expanded significantly, with 60 places now available over two days, giving more participants the opportunity to experience a tandem parachute jump above Swansea Airfield.
Event Details and Participant Experience
The Tŷ Hafan Skydive will take place during the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, August 8-9. Participants will embark on tandem jumps from an altitude of 10,000 feet, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph during their exhilarating descent. James Davies-Hale, Head of Fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, emphasized the dual purpose of the event.
"Doing a skydive is a real bucket list challenge for so many people," said Davies-Hale. "By taking part in Tŷ Hafan's Skydive, you'll ensure that no family has to live their child's short life alone. When a child's life will be short, Tŷ Hafan will walk alongside that child and their family through life, death and beyond."
He added that participants will be "helping us to literally reach for the skies" by raising crucial funds to support children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
Inspiring Testimonials from Past Participants
Philippa Langley, a finance team leader from Caerphilly who participated in last year's event, shared her transformative experience. "Some challenges test your fitness. Others test your courage," she reflected.
Langley described how she had previously undertaken physical fundraising challenges like the Welsh Three Peaks and Cardiff Half Marathon for Tŷ Hafan but wanted to push herself further. "I wanted to do something that truly took me out of my comfort zone. With a fear of flying and heights, what better challenge than a 10,000ft sky dive!"
She praised the Tŷ Hafan team for their unwavering support throughout the process. "Their encouragement, warmth and belief in what we were doing made all the difference. What could have been terrifying started to feel exciting."
In a moment of last-minute bravery, Langley upgraded her jump from 10,000 to 15,000 feet. "As the plane climbed higher and the ground grew smaller beneath us, I expected the fear to grow. Strangely, the opposite happened. When the door finally opened, and it was time to go, the fear disappeared and was replaced by pure adrenaline."
She described the free-fall as "unbelievable" and "exhilarating," with perfect weather conditions offering breathtaking views. "It was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had," she said.
Langley highlighted that the jump was about more than personal achievement. "It was about supporting a charity that changes lives every single day. Tŷ Hafan gives comfort, care and dignity to children and families during the most difficult times imaginable. If stepping outside my comfort zone can help raise awareness or funds for a cause like that, then every second of fear was worth it."
Registration Requirements and Support
The skydive is open to individuals aged 18 and over, with a registration fee of £50. Participants are required to fundraise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship. James Davies-Hale assured that all necessary training will be provided on the day, making the event accessible to those without prior experience.
"You'll be given a fundraising pack and the full support of the Tŷ Hafan team to help you successfully reach your fundraising target," he stated.
This expanded event promises to combine thrilling adventure with meaningful philanthropy, continuing Tŷ Hafan's vital work in supporting families through incredibly challenging circumstances.
