A team leader at Pembrokeshire County Council’s contact centre is back on the ground after jumping out of a plane at the weekend.
Roger Jenkins did his first ever sky dive from the skies above Swansea airport on Saturday.
The 58 year-old from Haverfordwest took the plunge for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal.
“It was absolutely thrilling although also probably the scariest thing I have ever done,” he said.
Attached to an instructor, Roger jumped out of the plane at 13,000 ft and then free falled for just under a minute — for 7,000 ft – before the parachute was deployed.
“There’s a moment when you’re sitting on the edge of the plane looking down and you can’t believe that you are going to do what you’re going to do” he said.
“The first bit was an incredibly frightening 50 second journey of madness, which was frightening and yet exhilarating at the same time.
“Then when the chute opens it’s the most wonderful thing in the world. Everything goes still and quiet and you’re floating up there in the sunshine. It was an amazing experience.”
Roger’s opportunity to sky dive followed the donation of a skydive package from work colleague Donna Thomas, who had won it in a raffle.
Contact centre staff regularly raise money for charity by holding raffles or other events at the centre so when the chance to jump came up seven member of the contact centre team volunteered.
Roger’s name was drawn out of the hat and he was determined to do his bit for the Haiti earthquake appeal.
“We were all moved by the images from Haiti and I just want to raise as much money as I can for the relief fund,” he said.
So far his promised sponsorship is close to £2,000 with the bulk coming from donations pledged by staff at County Hall in Haverfordwest.
“It was a fantastic experience and I’d love to do it again although I’m not so sure I’d like to put my wife through it again,” he said.
“But she was a terrific support and I’d like to thank her and everyone else who supported me along the way.”
Saturday’s jump was organised by Skydive Swansea, who did not charge for the event.
If you would like to sponsor Roger’s Skydive in aid of the Haiti Earthquake Appeal you can do so by ringing the County Council contact centre on 01437 764551 or by donating over the counter at any of the Council’s customer service centres.
Donations will be collected until the end of April.
