Robin (88) completes 15,000ft skydive

You’re never too old to skydive!

All of us at Wessex Cancer Support have been inspired by the daredevil endeavours of 88-year-old Robin Long who recently completed a 15,000ft skydive. He’s raised almost £4000 to support local families living with cancer.

Inspired

Robin, a retired chartered surveyor who lives in Lymington, was inspired to do the jump after hearing Sarah King, our corporate and community fundraiser, talk at a Rotary Club session. He signed up for the tandem jump at Old Sarum Airfield, near Salisbury, on Friday 2nd July. Four other men – Theo Lewis, Rupert Duckworth, Marcus Hill and Joe Russell joined Robin on the jump, as part of a team called 5 Go Skydiving.

A worthwhile cause

Raising money for Wessex Cancer Support had a personal meaning for Robin as he lost his mother to cancer and has other family members who have been treated for it.

I’ve always wanted to do it!

In an article with local paper, the New Milton Advertiser & Lymington Times before the jump, Robin said that, “people may ask why I am doing such a thing at my advancing years. It’s because I’ve always wanted to do it and I’m going to do it before it’s too late – before I’ve entirely lost my marbles!”

Robin says that when he was walking to the plane he couldn’t believe he was actually going to be jumping out of it, but there he was at 15,000ft with the door open and his legs dangling in space!

Freefall at 125mph

He enjoyed freefall for over a minute at a speed of 125mph before the parachute opened and he came down gradually to the ground over about 15 minutes. He saw many sights – Salisbury Cathedral, the Isle of Wight, Stonehenge and Marlborough and right across to the Cotswolds.

He did several 360s and one inversion and he says his stomach is still up there! “It was an incredible experience and I’ve survived to tell the tale,” he said on landing.

What an amazing achievement, Robin. You’re truly inspiring!

The jump was hosted by GO Skydive.

Here are some photos of Robin’s jump!