Sewa SKYDIVE RAISE £37,480 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
By Janak Shah, London

Facts:

– Took place on 23rd September 2007.
– The sky dive was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research and Refuge
– Funds raised: £37,480

Report

Looking down past clouds and birds, at the spectators below, knowing that you are about to plummet 13,000ft releases an explosion of emotions that absolutely nothing can prepare you for; emotions that you never thought you were capable of feeling, yet you still experience a heightened state of alertness acknowledging how the clouds are pure white, how bright and blinding the sun is and the look of awe on those around you also gazing down. A quick glance left at the camera and a slight smile before suddenly realising that the floor of the plane is no longer below your feet, that it is getting harder to breathe as the air rushes past you at 120mph, sensing the euphoria that makes you shout out ‘this is incredible!’ and yet always thinking about the what ifs.

All 35 divers were asked to raise £1000 for two charities; Refuge and Macmillan Cancer Support. Refuge strives to achieve a world where domestic violence is not tolerated or ignored and where women and children can live in safety. Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. Providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support and campaigning for better cancer care. After much cajoling, begging and arm-twisting, a total of £37,480.23 was raised.

Thanks to all those who have supported the Sewa Skydive.
The 35  brave volunteers are: Mr Amit Shah, Mr Anand Shah, Mr Anand Vyas, Mr Andrew Hudson, Mr Arup Ganguly, Mr Ashish Patel, Mr Baiju Shah, Mr Bhavik Depala, Miss Bhaaval Shah, Mr Bipin Dabasia, Mr Darshan Depala, Mr Divyesh Depala, Mr Hitesh Parmar, Mr Janak Shah, Mr Jeegar Jagani, Mr Jitesh Naran, Mr Kartik Dave, Mr Khilan Shah, Mr Mayur Shah, Mr Neetesh Pota, Mr Neil Pota, Mr Nikesh Parekh, Mr Nikhil Mankad, Mr Nikil Parmar, Mr Nilesh Solanki, Mrs Parita Shah, Miss Poonam Mistry, Miss Radhe Patel, Mr Rahul Malde, Mr Rajen Shah, Mr Rajkamal Patel, Mr Shakti Thakkar, Mrs Shivani Pala, Miss Sneha Haria, Miss Sukhwinder Parmar, Mr Vikas Pota, Miss Ushma Shah.

Ms. Sandra Horley, OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge said: “Domestic violence is a serious crime that destroys lives. One woman in four experience domestic violence at some point in their life and two women are killed every week in England and Wales.  Sewa International’s amazing physical and fundraising efforts will help support Refuge’s life saving and life changing work.”

Mr. Ciaran Devane, CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support said: “I am delighted that the staff of Sewa International have chosen to improve the lives of people affected by cancer by donating this fantastic amount of money – £22,500 – that they have raised to Macmillan Cancer Support. This will go towards a specialist Macmillan Pharmacist at the North West London Hospitals Trust. The pharmacist will make a real difference to the lives of cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy treatment by ensuring that patients’ vital chemotherapy drugs are available when they need them, they are up to date, and they are effective. And the Pharmacist will provide reliable support and information about the medication and any side-effects patients might experience.

Many Thanks to Vikas Pota for organising the event.

A rush of air at 120mph takes your breath away!
Report by Hitesh Parmar who participated.

After waiting for 2 hours on the ground at the airfield and 10-minutes of anticipation as the aircraft climbs, the door opens – Your heart beats faster.

The instructor shuffles you to the door… before you know it – your looking down onto the earth with your legs out…

‘Ready…. Set… Put your head back’ shouts the instructor.
You can barely hear him.

As you give him the sign that your ready – you begin the free-falling from 10,000 feet. The rush of air distorts your face as your travel at over 170 feet per second. ‘I was thinking ‘ Is this for real !?’ – Feels Amazing.’

The ground gets closer and closer and suddenly your instructor opens the parachute. The rush of air suddenly stops and you glide back down to earth in serene silence, doing a few twists and turns – almost like a rollacoster as you get back to earth. The landing was fantastic – no broken legs! and I can honestly say it was one of the best, most exhilarating experiences I have ever done.