A Teesside paraglider plans to raise money for good causes at a Lake District event.
Colin Keightley, from Roseworth, Stockton-on-Tees, is raising funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and University Hospital of North Tees Intensive Care Unit.
Mr Keightley will deploy his reserve parachute, a high risk venture as he will fall to the ground faster than usual.
The 34-year-old said: “To make it a little safer, I will be doing it over water, but paraglider pilots hate getting their kit wet.”
The jump will take place at the Lakes Charity Classic Buttermere Bash, in Buttermere – a free flight gathering event on May 31st.
Mr Keightley has been paragliding for around five years and decided to donate to two services that he believes to be invaluable.
The father-of-four said: “When it comes to paragliding there is nothing better to get the pilot sweating than the thought of a reserve parachute deployment. A reserve parachute is the rescue chute used for when everything goes wrong. The first time I release it will be on the day because it is not something you can practice.”
Mr Keightley is supporting the University Hospital of North Tees Intensive Care Unit after he received emergency surgery from the unit in November 2011 and credits them with saving his life. He will also support the Great North Air Ambulance Service, who he says have been on hand for rapid emergency response when his friends have been injured and airlifted to hospital.
“I wanted to raise money for both fantastic services. I’ve had firsthand experience of the vital work at the hospital and we’ve all heard about the great work that GNAAS do. Some of my fellow paragliders have needed its services and it’s something that I may need in the future,” he said.
Mr Keightley, a planner and purchaser at ADCAS (1997) Ltd has praised his work colleagues, clients, family and friends for their help in gaining sponsorship. He said: “Everyone has got involved and supported both causes. We have so far raised more than £600 and there is still money to come in.”
To watch an example of what he will be doing, and to sponsor the charities please visit: http://www.aviabird.net/sponsor/
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