A group of daredevils recently took to the skies to raise over £4,000 for Everton in the Community.
Thrill seekers Bobby Riddaway, Paul Foster, Leoni McManaman, Scott Black, Sean Robertson, Matty Chaloner, Adam Debazzi and Carena Duffy all took part in a tandem skydive at Lancaster Airfield, which saw the participants jump from a plane at 14,000ft, all to raise funds for the Blues’ official charity’s many life-changing programmes.
Speaking after the jump, Evertonian Bobby Riddaway, said: “After moving to the South of England and having to give up my Season Ticket in 2005, I thought the least I could do was support the community local to where I was born. I have always supported Everton and the advert on the website saying – ‘Everton does not usually condone diving’ sparked me into action. I have never skydived before and thought the experience was awesome – with the worst bit being the final nerves going up in the plane. Carena did a great job organising it and I am sure I will support EiTC again.”
Paul Foster, who travelled from Italy to participate, added: "Jumping out of that plane was by far the scariest thing I've ever done. Still, I've raised a fair few quid for Everton in the Community so it was all worth it in the end. Every Evertonian in the world should be very proud of the amazing work the charity does. If you get chance, I recommend getting involved and seeing what they're all about."
Everton in the Community still has two places for any supporters aged over 16 who would like to take up this challenge and raise money for the Blues’ official charity. There is no set date so participants can jump on a date convenient to them.
Participants will receive training from an experienced instructor prior to their jump and can expect to freefall down to 5,000ft, travelling through the air at speeds of up to 120mph.
To qualify participants must pay a £70 registration fee to guarantee their place and be able to raise a minimum of £430 through sponsorship, and to pay £195 prior to the jump on the day. The remaining balance is to be paid after the jump.
Carena Duffy, Everton in the Community’s Fundraising Officer, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the skydive and helped to raise this fantastic amount for Everton in the Community.”
To sign up for the final two skydive places, contact Carena by calling 0151 530 5260 or emailing carena.duffy@evertonfc.com.
