I had no idea that looking at some photographs with my nephew would lead to me throwing myself out of a plane from 10,000ft!
"Oh my god." I said. "Is that you skydiving?" My nephew answered: "Yes it was amazing. One of the best things I’ve ever done – why don’t you do one? We’ll do it together." Before I knew where I was the fundraising information pack had landed on my doorstep and I was putting up posters at the golf club and spreading the news of my charity jump for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. I tried not to think about the jump itself and focussed on raising the funds. People were so supportive and generous and I got some great entertaining messages on my just giving website to cheer me on ‘keep your legs open and your mouth closed ‘, ‘you’re crazy’ and ‘you’re a mad brave lady’ and 
‘good luck we’ll be waving with feet firmly on the ground’, ‘happy landing’.
As the months passed my nephew had to pull out as he needed surgery on his shoulder. It’s all down to me then I thought. I felt even more nervous than I had before.
The day arrived, we had to be up and out by 7am. I was pleased to see a few more people of a similar age to me at the skydive centre as at 66 I thought I’d be one of the oldest jumpers. "Would you like to pay an extra £50 for an extra 12 seconds of freefall Sylvia?" The lady behind the desk asked. Had she completely lost her mind – paying extra for more freefalling! I’d rather pay less and jump from half the altitude. I"’m fine with 10,000ft", I replied.
A short while later I was togged up in hat, goggles and jump suit, perched on the lap of my rather attractive instructor. As I looked down at the intimidating drop, my heart pounding and the wind rushing in my face, we plunged into the white abyss, tumbling through the air for a few seconds until the drag shoot steadied our fall. Buildings freckled the land below and when the parachute went up the sense of relief and far reaching views were amazing.
You must lift your legs for the landing, my instructor had told me, if you don’t you will risk breaking your ankle. I swim regularly and was able to do this on land without any trouble – but when the moment came my legs were stuck and completely restricted by the harness. "I can’t lift my legs", I shrieked – no response from my instructor.
The wind was drowning out my words and the ground was getting closer. 
It took all my strength to heave my legs against the pulling of the harness and my talented instructor negotiated a perfect landing. Although my legs were like jelly, it was lovely to stand on the ground again and celebrate the achievement with my family.
I can’t believe I did it! It is a huge achievement for me and I feel proud to have helped raise money for the wonderful Charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Find out how to get involved with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People challenges by visiting our fundraising challenges pages.
18 August 2011
