A SKYDIVER had her head in the clouds after a 10,000 feet tumble ended in a marriage proposal.
Clair Lumsley, 36, from Newcastle, was taking part in a fundraising skydive from Skydive St George, at Durham Tees Valley Airport, when she was given the surprise of her life.
On the ground, her partner, Ben Holt, 37, from Liverpool, was waiting to ask for her hand in marriage.
Miss Lumsley, an investment manager, was raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) when she took part in the experience on September 7.
She said: “My tandem jumper said there was a sign down below and I should try to read it but I couldn’t see because my eyes were watering. When I landed, Ben was on one knee with the ring and the sign said ‘Hey Lummer fancy gettin hitched?’ I was completely overwhelmed and started sobbing. I had no idea what he had planned.”
The pair, who met in Jersey nine years ago and now live there with their 20-month-old daughter, plan to marry in Brittany, France.
The jump raised around £280 in aid of GNAAS that operate three aircraft across the North-East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria and rely entirely on public donations.
Miss Lumsley added: “The air ambulance is a great charity and one all of my family back in the North-East support, so it seemed like a good choice.”
Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS said: “It is such a lovely story and we’re glad to be a part of it.
“The funds raised will go towards keeping our aircraft in the sky and we wish Clair and Ben a very happy future together.”
GNAAS now offers fundraising skydives from Skydive St George. Participants must raise £250 ahead of the jump. For more information call Janet at GNAAS on 01325-487263. To visit Skydive St George click here.
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