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| Beech 99 light aircraft |
Third Time lucky for Point to point jockeys fund raiser for
the Injured Jockeys fund, a tandem Skydive from as little as 15’000ft on a
beautiful clear Sunny late summer Sunday Morning.
Out of the motley crew, Joe Hill and Fergus Gregory having
jumped well beforehand, due to holiday commitments, (Joe winning the prize for
most exotic place to jump, Australia.)
James Tudor, Johnny Bailey. Pete Mann,
Jack Andrews, Leo Mahon, Tom David, Paddy Gerety, John Mathias, Zac Baker,
James King and the man that got all this together Sam Davies Thomas took to the
sky over the Devonshire Countryside.
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| Zac Baker,James Tudor,John Mathias,Pete Mann,Tom David,Tom David,Leo Mahon,Johnny Bailey, Jack Andrews, Paddy Gerety, Sam Davies Thomas |
Sam Davies Thomas deserves great credit for organizing this
event, not only getting thirteen jockeys to the correct place, twice and on
time, but for putting a lot of effort into re booking and keeping the interest
going for so long.
After the first non-runner attempt, the donations came to
about £8’000. But with an enthusiastic push, about a month and a bit later the
funds as the first jockey fell from the plane, the total stood at £10’250.
The first group, Sam with Leo Mahon and Zac Baker (below,)
came down with great enthusiasm
(a little more than they went up with, a few quite moment were had by all)
(a little more than they went up with, a few quite moment were had by all)
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| Zac Baker,Leo Mahon, Sam Davies Thomas |
I do understand Leo was the first out, and was told from good
source that the word GERONIMO, was heard shouted as he hit winds of up to
100mph and speeds of up to 170mph.
The second group, even yours truly was persuaded to go up
with them. Not though coming down under silk but in the co-pilots seat.
The Beech 99
aircraft descending through the Devonshire clouds so fast we touched down
before the first jumper had thought of landing. I can tell you it was very
high, and for the guys to be kneeling at the hatch of the light aircraft, in
front of their tandem skilled skydiver,
well none of these boys will moan when
going out on a spare open maiden ride, on a horse first time out and they have
never seen before. (Well most won’t anyway)
I partnered in the plane and spirt only.
Johnny Bailey, who
I’m sure told me he hits 27 soon. Tom David who never stopped grinning, (or
maybe hit the G-Force) and Zac Baker.
Tom had to wait for a while though the rest jumped, the exit
light went off so the Beech 99 aircraft could reposition to the drop zone.
To
think a false start when all you want to do is to get to the first…..
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| Johnny Bailey, Tom David, Zac Baker |
Johnny Bailey’s (left) footwear more suited to a couch and pipe
moment (the socks colorful though) was advised that if he did not want his, let’s say slippers to hit the ground first, new attire should be sought,.
Sam
ever the organizer obliged to swap footwear, re shod and away J.B went.
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| Sam Davies Thomas |
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| Leo Mahon |
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| Zac Baker |
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| Tom David
To hear the thoughts of Sam Davies Thomas, about his jump
and why he put all this together go to.
As we speak a few days after the jump the fund continues to
ascend, £10’552. Will now go to the fund, donation until
the end of August will still be taken.
Sam mentioned he is really humbled by the point to point
fraternity who has given so generously.
More can be given by going to
But note should be taken, this was an all-male affair??
Can the point to point girls go one better next year? is
this the gauntlet being thrown down?
Are the ladies in the females changing room going to allow
this to happen??
Stay tooned for next
seasons thrilling point to point event
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