Volunteer turns ‘superhero’ for St John Ambulance

John Waters, 61, will be doing the tandem parachute jump from 10,000 feet and hopes by signing up more people will join him in taking up the challenge.

He started volunteering with the nation’s leading first aid charity five years ago when he relocated to Sussex.

He had previously been a special constable with the Metropolitan Police and on moving he signed up to do a three hour Essential First Aid course with St John Ambulance to brush up on his first aid skills.

Immediately he knew he wanted to do more and since then he has never looked back.

John is now a volunteer with Horsham Adult Unit and is a Youth Leader with Southwick Cadet Unit.

John believes more people should learn first aid and this is the main reason for him taking on his first ever skydive in September.

He said: “By jumping out of a plane I hope it’ll help promote the work of the organisation, for which I’m extremely proud to volunteer with. Fundraising for the charity can help others learn life saving skills too, which could one day be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”

He is hoping others will join him. There are several St John Ambulance Superhero Skydive happening throughout the summer. The first aid charity has partnered with Skyline in the national initiative to raise funds.

Training and the skydive are completed in one day and those who sign up will make the jump in tandem harnessed to an experienced parachute jumper.

People have the option to come dressed in their favourite superhero costume too.

Mia Broughton, regional fundraising co-ordinator, said: “We hope everyone will get behind John and sponsor him to take part in our Superhero Skydive event. And we are still looking for more people to sign up too.

“If you’ve always felt there was something more to life than your normal routine, you want to celebrate a milestone in a unique way, or if you’re just the type of person who loves a challenge, then our Superhero Skydive is just the thing. You’ll have an unforgettable experience, and people in your community – and communities across the country - will benefit as a result.”

To sponsor John go to www.doitforcharity.com/JonathanWaters

Anyone who is aged 16 or over can take part. By paying an initial non-refundable registration fee of £70 and raising a minimum of £395, people jump for free.

Alternatively they can pay a £70 registration fee and pay for £200 jump costs then simply fundraise as much as you can. There are 20 locations to choose from.

To register an interest in the skydove or stroll visit www.sja.org.uk/superhero or contact Mia on 01296 744378 or email [email protected]