Martin Peel, a 61-year-old financial controller from Bramhope, took a daring leap by doing a tandem skydive to honor his late mother. The idea came as a surprise gift from his wife at Christmas after they had watched a skydive on TV together.
Martin explained that he was initially stunned by the gift but decided to use the challenge to raise funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. The hospice provided exceptional care for his mother during her final days, and Martin wanted to give back. When the local pub landlords asked if he would also support the Dogs Trust in Leeds, he readily agreed.
Though Martin was not afraid of heights—he once learned to fly a glider—jumping from a plane was a different experience. Strapped to an instructor, he climbed to 14,000 feet before free-falling at 120 mph over the Lake District.
He described the moment before the jump as nerve-wracking, but once in the air, he felt an unexpected calm. The views were stunning, stretching from the Isle of Man to Lake Windermere and the surrounding countryside. The landing was fast but smooth, and by the end, Martin said he would happily do it again.
Reflecting on his mother, Martin joked that she might have thought he was “daft” for doing the skydive. So far, Martin has raised £700 thanks to support from friends, family, and colleagues, many of whom cheered him on the day of the jump. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed.
