2023-05-02T10:46:04+00:00

Chelsea takes to the skies for May Day jump

Twenty-five year-old Chelsea Wilkinson has her feet firmly back on the ground after completing a 15,000ft tandem skydive to raise funds for Friends.

On May Day, she travelled to Manchester to jump out of a plane, freefall at speeds of up to 120mph before the parachute popped open and she and the instructor flew safely to the ground.

Chelsea chose to jump at Skydive Northwest, one of the most picturesque skydive centres in the world with spectacular views across the Lake District, Lake Windermere and Morecambe Bay.

And her daredevil feat raised more than £600 for Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian.

“The world can be a cruel place so I always like to look for opportunities to do a bit of good for other people,” said Chelsea.

“I chose Friends because I think what they offer to patients and their friends and family in that sad but intimate time is so special. I have friends and family myself who have spent their last precious moments with their loved ones in Roxburghe House so to be able to help in any way to make things more comfortable for them is so important to me and such a special feeling.”

Originally from Fraserburgh, Chelsea now works as a pharmacy dispenser in Aberdeen. She said the weeks before the jump were busy for her so she didn’t have much time to think about the fact she’d be jumping out of a plane.

“On the day itself I felt super calm, to the point it just felt like any other day. The weather was worrying to start with, but it cleared up,” she said.

“The guys at the jump site were chatty and made everyone feel so comfortable. I kept waiting for a surge of nerves or adrenaline to hit but it never did. I’m actually glad it didn’t because it meant I fully enjoyed the experience with the amazing people I had just met.

“Just as the door of the plane opened, all the jumpers, instructors and cameramen did a good luck handshake with each other, then off we all went.

“The jump itself was an incredible feeling, to be so high just floating back down and taking in the scenery - while having a casual chat with my instructor) - was a feeling of peace and calm I’ve never felt before.

“It was such an amazing experience and the instructor Chris said it was the most chilled tandem he’s ever flown with.

“After the jump I felt super emotional and grateful for what I have. Thinking of what I had actually just done and that I’ve been able to raise money for a special cause was quite overwhelming.”

- If you’d like to add to Chelsea’s total, her JustGiving page is here.

- Or if you’re feeling inspired yourself, you can find out how to support Friends with your own fundraising here.

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