An intrepid group of Rainbow Hub supporters took to the skies in a skydiving challenge which raised over £11,000 for the charity.

The event was organised by the Black Knights Parachute Centre, the longest running centre of its type in the UK, and took place at their base near Lancaster; the team of twelve bravely opted to increase their jump from 11,000 feet to 15,000 feet – the highest possible in the UK.

Participants’ ages ranged from 16 – the youngest - to 65 years and they are all supporters of Rainbow Hub, with many either family of staff members or parents of children who use the charity's services.

Everyone did a fantastic job attracting sponsorship with a delighted Natalie Dowling from Leeds raising over £1200 with the support of her company, Efficient Frontiers International, while Chris Murray from Windermere, whose son Cole attends Rainbow Hub, raised £2158 including £545 from his Round Table and Cole’s school.

Everyone felt it was an unforgettable experience and Daryll Standring from Blackburn said it was 'genuinely the best thing I have ever done in my whole life!'

Added Becky Searls from Manchester, whose sister works for the fundraising team at Rainbow Hub: “My skydive was one of the most amazing experiences I think I will ever have, and being able to raise money for such a worthy charity made it even more special.

Chris Nardone from Morecambe said: “No one could believe I would actually be able to jump out of a plane as I am scared of heights, but I can honestly say that I loved it.

"It was like nothing else I've ever done and carried on my tradition of being able to help Rainbow Hub every year.”

Lyndsay Fahey, CEO, Rainbow Hub, commented: “What a tremendous achievement and we are obviously delighted with the fantastic amount they have raised.

"Our sincere thanks go to them all for getting involved – it means so much to all the children and team at Rainbow Hub – without help from people like them we would not be able to continue to offer the therapies that are so important to the children we support.”

If anyone fancies the challenge and experiencing an adrenaline rush like no other, there will be another jump on Friday 17th September; £50 will secure a place and Rainbow Hub can advise on fundraising opportunities.

For more information, contact Emma Parish e.parish@rainbowhub.org or click https://www.rainbowhub.org/