Parachute plunge for crematorium’s daring duo
A daring duo from Waseley Hills Crematorium took a 14,000-foot parachute plunge to raise money for charity.
Crematorium attendants Claire Montague and Lianne Dusley had never done such a jump before, and may well never do one again – but are pleased to have raised £1,650 for Dementia UK.
Waseley Hills Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 39 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, tranquil places for people to visit and reflect.
Dementia UK is Westerleigh Group’s corporate charity partner for 2023, which is what prompted Claire and Lianne to take the plunge and raise some funds to cover the costs of Admiral Nurses, who provide vital support to families affected by dementia.
Claire said: “When we became fundraising partners for Dementia UK, we thought, as a team, that it would a good idea to do something scary to raise funds for the charity.
“It was just me and my colleague Lianne who said yes to a parachute jump, when everyone else said no.
“I guess we thought it’d be a lifetime opportunity even though we knew it was going to be the most terrifying experience of our lives at the same time.
“It felt totally unnatural, edging towards the edge of a plane and telling yourself to jump out, but the staff who were alongside us were wonderful.
“We did tandem jumps, with a professional on our backs. There was about a minute of free-falling before the parachute opened, which was quite literally breath-taking.
“But when the parachute opened, we were able to properly enjoy the experience. It was lovely and quiet, the views were fantastic, and the landing was very smooth.
“We both agree that, while being immensely proud of ourselves for overcoming our fears, we don’t feel any need to rush to repeat the experience.
“It was something that we will never forget, and was a big tick on our bucket lists.”