Phil Cannon, a warehouse team member at the Wincanton Distribution Centre for Screwfix in Stafford, had harboured a desire for several years to try a parachute jump, though had not had the opportunity (nor the courage!) until recently to carry it out.
However, the Stafford warehouse is heavily involved in raising money for charitable causes, and this gave Phil his big chance. The site is currently supporting the Staffordshire Therapeutic Independent Neurological Group (STING) based in Stone, and holds a wide range of activities throughout the year both at the warehouse itself and at other events around the country.
Through the charity group at the site, and with the help of STING, Phil organised a tandem parachute jump at the Tilstock Airfield in Whitchurch recently with Skyline, a company that arranges various types of events to raise money for charities. Consequently, a nervous (but very excited) Phil found himself inside a small plane recently, climbing to two and a half miles above the ground with a few other like-minded tandem skydivers.
After reaching the required altitude, Phil (fortunately strapped to his instructor) plunged out of the plane’s exit door and started his exhilarating 200mph freefall! After his chute opened, Phil then experienced an amazingly peaceful canopy ride, slowly gliding back down to earth.
The experience was incredible for Phil, who raised over £600 from the jump for STING.
I’d wanted to try a parachute jump for years, and the chance finally came when Wincanton started to support STING with its fundraising. I can’t explain quite how incredible it felt, and to know that it was also raising money for a deserving cause made the event even more rewarding. I couldn’t have done it without the fantastic support of my sponsors.”
Peter Marenghi, Vice Chairman of STING, who also works at the Wincanton site, was very appreciative of Phil’s efforts.
I’m not a great fan of heights myself! So I can understand what Phil went through to raise funds for us at STING. We are so grateful for Phil’s efforts to raise so much money, which will be vital to help us carry out our work within the local community.”
[box type=”info” ]STING works to support anybody in the area with a neurological condition, which includes multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other conditions. The group operates out of Unit 22b on Whitebridge Estate in Stone, which is fully adapted for disabled and wheelchair access allowing members to attend regular activities and take part in group discussions, wellbeing sessions, and exercise classes, as well as being able to access neurological therapies. More details of the charity can be found on STING’s website, www.sting-staffordshire.org.uk or on their Facebook page.
For further details of the work that STING does in the area, or how Wincanton supports them during the year, contact Peter Marenghi on 07736-522474 or at petermarenghi@hotmail.co.uk. [/box]
