Skydivers fall to raise thousands for Alabaré

Wednesday, 25 September 2024 05:55

Alabaré's recent skydiving fundraiser has raised an incredible £37,700 to support homeless veterans.

This event, held to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, saw 47 brave individuals take to the skies, some even jumping from 15,000 feet – the highest skydive in the UK.

Macc Macnaughton and Keny Grant, two young women who had just completed their GCSEs, participated in the skydive as a way to celebrate their achievements. Macc took the plunge in honour of her father, who served in the RAF, adding a deeply personal touch to her experience.

At 80, Mervyn Wheatley made the jump, cheered on by his wife Penny, who were both long-time supporters of Alabaré and our Plymouth Homes for Veterans. Mervyn’s courage and commitment demonstrate that making a difference is never too late. Mervyn said, "I did it because I've been following Alabaré for some time now and saw this Eighty for 80 – D-Day Skydive for Alabaré. Being an ex-Royal Marine with 33 years under my belt, and having celebrated my 80th birthday in November, it felt like the perfect time to dive for a good cause. The dive itself was interesting. I didn't like the freefall, but when the parachute opened, I really enjoyed the experience."

A team of 10 teachers from Stonehenge School, a long-time supporter of Alabaré, also joined the skydive. Stonehenge School has supported our efforts for years, regularly participating in the BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral to raise awareness for homelessness.

The funds raised through this event will go directly toward supporting Alabaré’s Homes for Veterans, which provides accommodation and support to veterans across England and Wales. Many of these veterans have struggled to adjust to civilian life and will receive housing, guidance, and the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

Rebecca Mullen, Fundraising Events & Development Manager at Alabaré, said, "We are incredibly grateful to all our skydivers and supporters who made this event such a success. From young students celebrating their GCSEs to our 80-year-old veteran supporter, the courage shown was inspiring. Every penny raised will make a real difference in the lives of the veterans we support, helping to provide homes, care, and a brighter future.”