For many people, reaching the incredible age of 90-years-old would be an opportunity to relax and put their feet up.
Not John Dyer. The former RAF technician will celebrate his 90th birthday by doing a tandem skydive to raise money for the RAF Association.
John, from Eaglescliffe near Stockton-on-Tees, will freefall from around 13,000 feet, reaching speeds of 120mph before the parachute is deployed.
John, who joined the RAF as a boy entrant in 1951 and served for 18 years, said:
“I never had the opportunity to do a parachute jump but I’ve always wanted to do one since I was a boy.”
“I turned 90 in January and decided what better way to celebrate my birthday than to finally get to jump out of a plane.”
John will jump at Shotton Airfield in Shotton Colliery on 30 March (weather permitting). His jump is part of the Association’s RAFA Jumps scheme that sees thrill seekers take on a thrilling tandem skydive while fundraising for the Association.
As the President of the Association’s Stockton & Thornaby Branch, John has a strong connection to the Association and wanted to contribute to its work of providing vital support to the RAF community.
“I’ve seen for myself the great work the Association does to support veterans. It’s a great cause and hugely deserving of my fundraising efforts,” said John.
John’s daughter Clare Sullivan, who will be there on the day to support her dad, said:
“We’re all really proud of Dad for taking on this challenge. We’ll all be there on the day to support Dad, but I’ll be keeping my feet firmly on the ground!”
Pete Brocklehurst, Community & Challenge Fundraiser at the Association, said:
“We’re delighted that John has chosen to support the Association in this way. He’s living proof that it’s never too late to challenge yourself – a wonderful example for us all to aspire to.”
