Jack's thrilling charity skydive

Apr 9 2008 By Judith Tonner

A Hamilton man bravely signed up for a charity skydive – and enjoyed the experience so much that he has now taken up the sport as a regular hobby.

Daredevil Jack Cheape, of Woodhead, took the 3500ft plunge at Strathallan Skydive Club in Perthshire and raised the magnificent sum of £700 for the Coldstream Kids fund.

Jack, who is a volunteer instructor and company sergeant major with Glasgow and Lanarkshire Army Cadets, volunteered to take part in his first-ever parachute jump in aid of the military charity, which supports the children of Coldstream Guards who have been killed or injured in conflict.

He said: “It was one of the best experiences of my life.

“The jump itself all happens so quickly; as soon as I leapt out of the plane, all my training kicked into place and it was brilliant after that.

“The worst part was probably waiting to jump as it’s quite daunting looking out from 3500 feet, and then sitting in the doorway with your legs dangling outside the craft!

“I enjoyed it so much that I’ve now taken it up as a sport; I really enjoyed doing it and I was delighted to raise money for a good cause.”

Hamilton man Jack is pictured on the right with fellow skydivers Kristin Maine and Gavin High.