The William Aldridge Foundation

The William Aldridge Foundation's Founder, Lucy Aldridge joined Pilgrimbandits Charity and the RBL "Jump4Heroes" team for a charity skydive at Netheravon in Wiltshire

"It was an absolute privilege for us to join Ben Parkinson and John Sandford Hart, both Patrons of the Pilgrimbandits Charity and several members of the RBL 'Jump4Heroes' team in a tandem skydive challenge to raise funds for Forces Amputees".

Pilgrimbandits Charity is a Special Forces Charity that has now expanded to support other servicemen with their 'Care for Amputees' Project, forging close links with the Rifles Regiment & supporting other Forces Charities. The Jump4Heroes team are all serving members of the British Army, experienced skydivers and part of the Royal British Legion Extreme Human Flight Team.

Lucy Aldridge said, "My personal challenge began with a 4am alarm call in order to get both my younger children washed, dressed and fed, with the help of the Foundations' Fundraising Co-ordinator, Emma Crowley, collect my mother from her residence and be on the road for 6am, for what promised to be an exciting adventure".

We arrived at Netheravon Camp in Wiltshire and the home of the British Army Parachute Association at approximately 8.30am, checked in at the guard room, then reception and nervously awaited further instruction!


Meeting the rest of the team, Ben Parkinson and John Sandford Hart completely put me at my ease - it was big smiles and excitement all round.

After receiving our instruction on exit, freefall and landing drills, we boarded the aircraft. 4 tandem, 3 static line skydivers and a cameraman. We climbed to 5,000ft, the door was opened and the static line jumpers alighted. The door was then closed and we continued climbing to 13,000ft .... A few final adjustments to my harness and it's my turn now!! Legs dangling over the edge of the open aircraft door, head back, arch ... 1...2...3...Go!!!! ....... WOW! The sound of the aircraft engine disappears, assume freefall position, 45 seconds elapse, tap on the shoulder, arms in, slight jolt as the canopy unfurls overhead ...... then ...... I'm handed control of the canopy for a short while .... bear left ... now right .... 3 minutes of beautiful, peaceful, serene SILENCE in the skies above Salisbury Plain ... next .... exhillarating ground rush - landing position - back on terra firma!


An amazing experience and one to be repeated in a heartbeat!

The William Aldridge Foundation helped to raise just shy of £600 in personal sponsorship which was donated to the Pilgrimbandits 'Care for Amputees'



Huge THANKS and GRATITUDE to everyone who so generously sponsored this challenge.

Well done again Lucy! x

Thanks Tim .... just got to come up with a new challenge now - but preferably not one that involves shark infested waters!! ... Not sure that is a fear I could overcome!! x

You can come with me to climb and snowboard Everest if you like?

Never tried snowboarding before!! When are you climbing and snowboarding Everest? I was thinking about perhaps abseiling or something which might be less painful on my old joints!! Lol x

I haven't quite decided yet. I got to get there first.

What about swimming the atlantic, or being the first person to swim around the world - that shouldn't be too hard on the aching joints? lol. x