2021-12-03 16:22:24
A trio of support workers from Biggleswade will be taking to the skies dressed in Santa suits this weekend for a charity skydive in aid of the national learning disability charity, Hft.
In a first for all three, co-workers Hayley Spoor, 35, Sharon Moansmith, 50, and Jamie Sefton, 33 will take the plunge on Saturday 4th December, with the aim of raising money for the local service in Bedfordshire where they work supporting adults with learning disabilities.
The group will be travel to Brigg airfield in Hibaldstow, where they will be free falling dressed as Father Christmas for around 50 seconds from a height of 10,000ft, reaching speeds of up to 120mph.
Hayley said she is looking forward to the challenge:
The past year has been so challenging for the health and social care sector. I felt that we needed something positive to look forward to. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s great that I can do it with friends while raising money for the people we support. They are so excited about our jump and they have been asking lots of questions about it.
The colleagues, who have been working at Hft for a combined seven and a half years, all agreed that seeing how difficult life was for the people they support during the pandemic, was a big motivator to undertake this challenge. They cited lack of social activities, being unable to see family and friends, and disruption of daily routines as some of the main challenges faced by people with learning disabilities during lockdowns.
In a break from the norm, the colleagues and friends will now be supporting one another as they anticipate some pre-jump jitters on the day.
Jamie said:
I think it will be an amazing experience, but I may be a bag of nerves on the day!
Sharon said:
This is something I’ve always considered but I’ve never felt brave enough. When I heard about the Santa Skydive I thought – it’s now or never!
The trio will be among several skydivers taking part in Hft’s Santa Skydive around the country this weekend, with jumps taking place in Brackley, Nottingham and Salisbury to raise money for the charity which supports adults with learning disabilities.
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Hft’s Sporting and Challenge Events Manager Emma MacDonald said:
We’re thrilled that Sharon, Hayley and Jamie have chosen to take the plunge for Hft. This challenge promises to be a once in a lifetime opportunity with all the money raised being used to support people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.
To donate to Hayley, Sharon, and Jamie’s Santa Skydive challenge, please visit their fundraising page here.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
