Leaping for WAY: Michelle’s charity skydive

November 2025

This month, Michelle decided to take the plunge and jump out of a plane to raise funds for WAY – smashing her target and raising more than £1,000 for our charity. She takes up the tale…

“On Friday, 7 November at 10:30am, I took to the skies above Sibson Airfield in Peterborough for a WAY charity skydive from 13,000 feet!

I was widowed on 5 February 2022 and have been supported by the peer support charity WAY Widowed and Young since those early, difficult days. The community has meant so much to me, so I wanted to give something back by raising funds to help others who’ve been bereaved to access the same support – especially those who might not be able to afford the £30 membership fee.

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The morning was filled with excitement (and a little bit of cloud cover!). Thankfully, the weather cleared just enough to give us a perfect hour-and-a-half window for the jumps to go ahead. Around 25 people took part that day, across two planes. In my group of 11, three of us were jumping for charities – two for Breast Cancer UK, and I was proudly representing WAY.

The parachute centre team hadn’t heard of WAY before, so I was delighted to tell them about the incredible support it provides to those navigating loss and grief.

Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and even many of my lovely dog grooming clients (and their dogs!), I have raised £1,050 through my JustGiving page, which was simple and easy to use.

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The jump itself was absolutely exhilarating. My tandem instructor was fantastic – calm, reassuring and great fun. As the last to leave the plane, I had a stunning view of the landscape stretching out below me. I even asked if we could add a few spirals and twists on the way down – it was such an amazing feeling! We had a perfect landing, and I couldn’t stop laughing with pure joy once we touched down.

I’m so grateful to everyone who sponsored and supported me. Together, you’ve helped make a difference for a truly vital charity that does so much for those who need it most.

If sharing my story encourages just one more person to find WAY’s support, then the jump was worth every second!”