Two friends have taken part in a charity skydive in aid of Breast Cancer Now, supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
Island residents Hayley Curtis and Laura Mackie travelled to Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster to take part in Breast Cancer Now’s flagship skydive, the ‘Big Pink Jump’, on Sunday 14th October. Jumping 10,000 feet and reaching freefall speeds of over 120mph, the pair described the jump as an “experience of a lifetime”.
So far the duo have raised more than £1,500 for Breast Cancer Now through sponsorship of the jump, with money still coming in. The charity, the UK’s largest breast cancer research programme, is dedicated to funding vital research and helping more women diagnosed with the devastating disease to survive.
The Steam Packet Company supported the two friends by assisting with the cost of return travel to the UK.
Hayley commented: It really was an amazing experience and something we will never forget. Throwing yourself out of a plane three miles above the ground is pretty daunting, but knowing that we’d already received over £1,000 in donations spurred us both on to do it – we are immensely proud of our achievement and grateful to everyone who has sponsored us.
‘We are delighted to raise such a fantastic amount (which is still increasing) for a deserving charity close to our hearts. It makes the jump more than worthwhile and I can’t thank the Steam Packet Company enough for supporting our trip and assisting with the cost of travel to the UK; and for their flexibility after having to change our travel plans twice over the weekend due to weather delays to the jump.’
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We were pleased to support Hayley and Laura’s charity skydive trip and happy to hear they’ve raised such a wonderful amount for Breast Cancer Now. I am sure their pledged funds will go a long way in funding vital research for the charity.’
Photograph; Left, Hayley Curtis, right, Laura Mackie
