News releases

news and media header banner

Mayor’s "daunting" freefall fundraiser

News release 10229, published on 22 Jul 2022
Daredevil Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Paul Miller is set to part in a charity skydive to raise funds for his charity appeal.

His first ever jump from a plane will take place on Saturday 10 September and will raise money for his chosen charities Tough Enough To Care and The Pink Place incorporating the Blue Space.

Cllr Miller, aged 77, will take the leap along with representatives from his charities and will free fall from 15,000 feet before parachuting to the ground at Old Sarum airfield.

As a veteran of the Royal Air Force, Cllr Miller has flown many types of aircraft amassing some 400 hours of flying time throughout his long military career. This will be his first skydive.

Cllr Miller said: “As an ex-RAF pilot I am well-used to flying and have had the opportunity to take the controls of a range of aircraft but I have never actually jumped from a plane and felt that this would be an ideal challenge to raise funds for my charity appeal.

“Although the thought of the skydive is daunting, I really want to overcome that apprehension and raise money for two local good causes who do so much to support our communities. Any sponsorship, no matter how big or small, would mean the world to me and will make a real difference to my charities.”

Tough Enough To Care (TETC) is a mental health charity that focuses on male dominated environments such as the military, construction trades and sports clubs with an aim to remove the stigma that surrounds the subject of mental health while making it an everyday conversation.

The Pink Place, incorporating The Blue Space for men, provides free wellbeing services, complementary therapies, counselling, mindfulness sessions and support to adults affected by cancer living in Basingstoke and the surrounding area from initial diagnosis throughout treatment and beyond.
 
To find out more about the Mayor’s skydive and to make a donation to the charity appeal visit https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/mayor-skydive

Sign up for email updates

Receive information on council services, news and events by email.

© 2023 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council