Daring dozen in parachute jump
Thursday, 9 October 2008
James Scott will be one of 12 local lads hoping to complete a 3,200 ft parachute jump for charity on December 6 to raise money for buildanorphanageinaday.com
A DARING dozen from across Armagh City and District will be taking to the skies in December for a solo parachute jump in aid of charity.
The 12 - led by Ulster Gazette photographer Philip Wilson - are aiming to raise the fantastic sum of £5,000 (at least!) to help build an orphanage in Zimbabwe.
They have signed up for the 'Build an Orphanage in a Day' project and the static line solo jump is scheduled to take place at the Wild Geese Jump School in Garvagh, County Londonderry, on Saturday, December 6.
This will be the first time that all - except Philip - have undertaken a parachute jump. And to do so solo, rather than in tandem, will be adding to the nerves.
But the end result is what the lads - all aged in their 20s and 30s - have firmly set their sights on.
The project has been set up to build and maintain the Jabulani Children's Home, the vision of Alan and Dorothy Graham, who have been Supporting children and orphans in Zimbabwe for the past 10 years.
Jabulani will primarily cater for babies who have been orphaned through the AIDS epidemic and give them a future and a family.
The vision for Jabulani came from seeing over 25 babies being cast into the sewers of Harare every day because no-one cared for them. Alan and Dorothy felt they needed to help and Jabulani will be that help.
But it's only the start and it is hoped this will be the first of many such Children's Homes bearing that name.
For the 12 jumpers, they aim to boost the cause through this and a number of other fundraisers in the coming weeks.
The main focus will be the parachute jump.
Philip - drummer with the local Christian band Inflame - will join his fellow band members and various friends at Garvagh in December.
And, after eight hours of training throughout the day, they will climb to 3,200 feet in a specially adapted aircraft before making the jump.
“Everyone is really excited about taking part," explains Philip. "We thought it would be a good idea to organise this jump and other activities to try to make a difference.
“Not only does it give everyone the chance to try something really different but, much more than that, all of those taking part have the opportunity to focus their energies and their minds on a very worthwhile and productive cause".
The boys have been delighted by the response so far and are appealing for further public support for this and a number of other key events.
On Saturday, October 11, a men's breakfast will be served up at Richhill Elim Church from 10am onwards, while a coffee morning will also be hosted at the same location on Saturday, November 29.
There will be bag-packing exercise at Sainsbury's in Armagh on Thursday, November 6, while a table quiz, held in conjunction with the Vibe Youth Group, takes place at Lisnadill Church on Friday, November 14.
In addition to that, Philip and his Inflame band-mates and fellow parachute jumpers - James Scott, Andrew Magwood and Andrew Graham - will be leading a Praise Night in Richhill Elim Church on Saturday, November 22.
They are being joined in their fundraising efforts and jump by Johnny Henry, Stephen Quinn, Cyril Flanagan, Chris Murphy, Lee Rainey, Richard Dawson, Tom Laverty and Chris Doonan.
Anyone who would like to sponsor them for the parachute jump can get in touch with fundraising co-ordinator Nicola on 077 9298 3978. They are also appealing for a good turnout to all of the other events which are being organised.
Further information on the project in Zimbabwe, meanwhile, can be found by logging on to www.buildanorphanageinaday.com
