Stone resident Peter had often felt the need to tackle outrageous challenges if there could be a positive outcome and a benefit to a good cause at the end of it, but sitting at the edge of an open doorway of a small plane, 10,000 feet above the safety of local hostelries and the comforting arms of his wife, Peter Marenghi wondered (not for the first time!) why he was about to plunge at 120mph into wide open air.
Especially when he’d had a terrifying fear of heights since childhood, and, on the eve of his 60th Birthday, that had been for an awful long time! Indeed, this was an activity he had managed successfully and sensibly to steer clear of for the whole of this period so far. This occasion, however, there was the chance of gaining some vital funds for the local charities supported by Wincanton’s Screwfix Distribution Centre in Stafford.
The team at the Wincaton has raised thousands of pounds over the years for local charities through the various activities of its colleagues. This year they are supporting the Childhood Cancer Parent’s Alliance and Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre.
Consequently, Peter (fortunately attached to experienced tandem instructor Steve) took the leap of faith out of the light aircraft that had gradually climbed to 10,000 feet, and plunged exhilaratingly for around 30 seconds before his chute opened. He then floated calmly down to earth feeling peacefully relaxed and liberated. The experience lasted for five wonderful minutes during which time, not only did Peter enjoy the adrenaline rush of the free fall, but also a serene parachute journey where he could peacefully enjoy amazing views over the Shropshire countryside near to the Tilstock Airfield where he had set off from.
After this amazing experience, Peter wondered how he had ever developed the fear of heights that had previously prevented him enjoying such feats!
Peter said: “Over recent years, Wincanton has generously supported my own favourite local charity (STING), and I want to repay some of this favour by raising money for the charities that our workforce will choose for 2019/20. When the choice of charities has been made in March, I will publish it on this site.”
From the generosity of family, friends and his colleagues at Wincanton, in excess of £1500 has been raised for this year’s two charities of the year at the Stafford warehouse.
Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre in Eccleshaw near Stafford is a small sanctuary for exotic animals and birds of prey. As well as a hospital unit for the treatment of wild raptors, the centre is home to over 30 different species of birds of prey, primates, reptiles, invertebrates, raccoons, cats and many more. A recent fire at the centre led to the deaths of some of their animals and several enclosures.
The Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance supports Staffordshire based families whose children, teenagers and young adults have been diagnosed with cancer and are either undergoing or have received treatment at Royal Stoke Hospital. It is also a national representative voice, working with local, regional, national and international agencies.
Peter’s sponsorship page is still open for his skydive, and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/peter-marenghi for the next couple of weeks.
