YouthNet's Team Parachute Jump

Why jump for YouthNet? We asked ourselves the same question and then decided to find out by organising a YouthNet team jump. Read on to find out what happened.

What made you decide to do a team jump for YouthNet?

Kuljeet: I've always wanted to do something adventurous - but safe - and a tandem skydive seemed the perfect option because I wouldn't be doing it on my own! Plus, YouthNet's a really worthwhile charity so it was a no-brainer. Being part of a team also meant that I was supported throughout the fundraising and jump.  

Susana: I never really considered doing a parachute jump but when the opportunity came up I just couldn't say no. Not only would this be a personal challenge but we would also be raising money for YouthNet and supporting an organisation we believe in. The fact that I would be doing the jump with a group of colleagues gave me the initial confidence and made the whole experience more exciting.

Sarah: I'm the kind of person who can never say no to a challenge, and a skydive is something I've always wanted to do. It was my first week working at YouthNet when I agreed to do the jump, so I thought it was a great way to show my support for the charity, bond with the team, and do something memorable and exciting all at the same time.

Giuseppina: I was up for the challenge and I liked the idea of doing the jump on the same day as my colleagues since we could support each other, especially with the fundraising efforts, and make it fun at the same time.

Did you find it easy fundraising for the jump?

Kuljeet: Yes, very easy. We set up a Justgiving page and promoted it via Facebook.

As a team, we also arranged some easy-to-organise fundraising events such as a pub quiz, which was fun and raised £400 towards our target. Fundraising as a team made it much easier as we could bounce ideas off each other and share the event organisation.

Susana: Fundraising was probably my main concern as I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it on my own but the fact that it was done by all of us as a team made it possible. Not only did we fundraise individually and through the internet but we also organised events that would involve friends and other work colleagues. And we even had fun while doing it!

Sarah: I think I would have struggled if I had to do all the fundraising for the jump myself, but the fact that we did it as a team made it a lot easier, and also really enjoyable. As well as using more traditional means of fundraising like setting up a JustGiving page, and approaching our suppliers and other contacts, we organised fundraising events such as a pub quiz which got the whole organisation involved and was a great success.  

Giuseppina: It was easy since we were a group and each one of us came up with ideas, helped with what we could and actively participated in organising the events.

"Fundraising as a team made it much easier..."

How would you describe the jump?

Kuljeet: It was totally amazing. I enjoyed every minute of it - the free fall part felt as if I was flying but I felt so secure at the same time. The instructor I was strapped to was really encouraging throughout and helped me to just enjoy the jump.  

Susana: The jump was unforgettable, approaching the exit and looking down at the clouds was just an amazing feeling. I was initially a bit nervous but having my colleagues around really helped. And contrary to what I'd imagined, watching the first parachutes open in the sky made me want to jump as soon as possible!

Sarah: I expected to enjoy the jump, but nowhere near as much as I did. It was honestly one of the best experiences I have ever had – totally unforgettable. It's impossible to describe the feeling in words - the only way to understand is to experience it for yourself.

Giuseppina: In one word: exhilarating. You have all those emotions building up: fear, excitement, curiosity, and a million thoughts in your head and then in a quick moment and you are flying high in the sky. Incredible!

"It's impossible to describe the feeling in words - the only way to understand is to experience it for yourself."

Would you recommend doing a parachute jump for YouthNet?

Kuljeet: Absolutely! It was one of the best things I've ever done and the added bonus was that the team managed to raise nearly £3,000 for a great cause. I'd recommend that everyone tries a parachute jump at least once.

Susana: I would definitely recommend it. Whether you have always thought about doing it or it never really crossed your mind, this is an experience you will never forget. And one that you might want to repeat!

Sarah: I wouldn't hesitate in recommending doing a parachute jump for YouthNet. The jump itself is absolutely amazing – an experience nobody should miss out on, and the fact that it raises money for such a worthwhile cause means everyone's a winner. Don't think, jump!

Giuseppina: Definitely! It's so much fun and for a worthy cause.