Charity skydive takes fundraising to new heights

A North East roofing design specialist has taken its charity fundraising to new heights after an employee conquered her fear of flying to complete a skydive in aid of a local hospice.

Kelly Petts, office and business support manager at Stockton-on-Tees-based TaperedPlus, raised just under £1000 for Teesside Hospice by taking on the challenge, despite being terrified of flying.

Her efforts have also helped secure additional support through a Community Grant from the BGF Foundation.

The fundraiser builds on TaperedPlus becoming a corporate partner of Teesside Hospice earlier this year.

Kelly volunteered for the skydive during a visit to the hospice shortly after the partnership was established.

She said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever done a parachute jump, which wasn’t my best idea considering I’m petrified of flying.

“As the day got closer, I was definitely regretting volunteering myself!

“I don’t remember much after sitting strapped to my instructor with my legs dangling out of the door.

“I didn’t even open my eyes until just before the parachute opened.

“It was terrifying, but I’m glad I did it because it’s such an important cause.

“But would I do it again? Definitely not, and it definitely hasn’t cured my fear of flying!”

The challenge forms part of TaperedPlus's wider commitment to supporting the hospice through fundraising and employee involvement.

Aman Chahal, co-founder and chief executive of TaperedPlus, added: “Our partnership is about our team getting involved and doing what they can to support the incredibly important work of Teesside Hospice.

“Kelly certainly led by example, although we might have to suggest a different fundraiser for her next time!”

Matt Little, interim head of BGF Foundation, added: “We’re delighted to support TaperedPlus’s fundraising for Teesside Hospice with a community grant from the BGF Foundation.

“Kelly’s fantastic fundraising efforts show the difference people and businesses can make when they get behind organisations doing vital work in their local communities.”

Hassan Hameed, corporate partnerships manager at Teesside Hospice, also praised Kelly’s determination and the company’s continued support.

He said: “We’re always so thankful for our fundraisers, but the fact that Kelly was afraid of flying makes us even more grateful for the effort she went through.

“Raising just under £1000 on her own, as well as securing a further grant for the Hospice, is an enormous achievement and reflects the values and support of not only Kelly, but also the wider TaperedPlus team.”

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