Forward staff take on a skydive to raise money this recovery month

The week leading up to our jump was filled with uncertainty - heavy rain, strong winds, and plenty of nerves. But on jump day, the skies cleared, and we were blessed with perfect weather: bright, dry, and ready for adventure.

We arrived at Headcorn at 8:30am, nerves mounting as the day became real. After a short briefing covering the theory, it was straight into our jumpsuits and onto the back of a truck heading for the plane. Meeting our tandem instructor put us at ease (mine was a very cheerful Dutchman named Henk). We boarded the aircraft, climbing steadily to 12,000 feet. By then, the nerves were intense, especially as I kept glancing at the red light, waiting for it to turn green.

Then came the moment. The door opened, the roar of the wind hit us, and before I knew it, we were edging out. Hanging at the side of the plane with nothing but sky beneath us was overwhelming and then Henk gave us a little shimmy and we were out!

Free-falling at 125mph for 40 seconds is impossible to put into words: pure exhilaration. I screamed, but from joy, not fear. We dropped through clouds, then the breathtaking views of the Kent countryside opened up below us.

Once the parachute deployed, everything slowed. We drifted gently back towards the airfield, and I even got to take control for a while, spinning left and right, grinning ear to ear.

Five minutes later, we landed smoothly, greeting each other with big hugs and even bigger smiles. It was, without doubt, the experience of a lifetime.

Having been a client, first asking Forward for support with my substance use nearly 7 years ago, to now being a member of staff, I know firsthand the vital & lifesaving work Forward does within local communities. Everyone who took part has been affected by substance use and wants to help others get the support they need.

With over £5,300 raised so far, we are all so proud to have taken part. For me, whatever I can do to help repay Forward so they can pass support on to those who need it most, I will do it - even if it does mean plummeting 12,000 feet at 125mph!

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated and to all those who came to support their loved ones on the day.

Quotes from other participants

“The clients I meet are a huge inspiration to me. It was a pleasure to raise some funds & show that I can be brave & determined too!” - Emily, Recovery Support Coordinator

“The Forward Trust made me the person I am today, and this is just the beginning. I'll always be forever grateful. I've made the best of friends through forward, and I hope to help others feel as happy as I do.” - Wayne, Volunteer

“Without Forward, I wouldn’t be here today. I took part in the sky dive to give back a little of what I have been given. This charity holds a huge place in my heart, from helping me find my soul and giving my children their mummy back. I will continue to support Forward all the way, even if that means jumping out of planes!” – Diane, Dover Day Programme Graduate

“I chose to do the skydive to demonstrate that recovery is possible and to raise awareness for The Forward Trust, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by addiction. By taking this leap, both literally and metaphorically, I aimed to inspire others and show that with support and determination, change can happen. My commitment to this charity reflects my desire to help not only those struggling with addiction but also their families, emphasising the importance of community and understanding in the recovery process.” – Chantel, Recovery Navigator

“Being part of the skydive was for me, a way of giving back and to celebrate the amazing people who have made the leap into recovery, showing that anything is possible with great people behind you.” – Kelly, Inclusion Practitioner