BBUS Employees charity parachute jump for Brake

06 January 2009

Left: BBUS employees Andrew Burgin and Tom Handley taking part in the parachute challenge

When it comes to fundraising, employees at BBUS know how to rise to the challenge; as a team of 18 employees raised over £13,000 for Brake, the road safety charity, by taking part in tandem parachute challenges.

Fundraisers taking part in a Brake parachute challenge complete the training and jump in one day with employees from BBUS jumping from 10,000 feet.

Jumpers are harnessed to an experienced parachute instructor at all times and leap from at least 10,000 feet - just like the professionals. After freefalling down to 5,000 feet - falling through the air at 120mph - the daredevil jumpers glide to the ground as a qualified instructor teaches steers them onto the drop zone. They all receive a certificate to prove they've completed a two-mile high tandem skydive.

BBUS chose to fundraise for Brake because of its close association with the charity, being a corporate partner, and it also sponsors Brake's Parent Power community training programme which teaches parents and professionals, how to deliver crucial road safety training to other parents in their area.

Andrew Burgin, BBUS IT Service Engineer, a member of the skydiving team, said: "It's great that we could make our challenge a fundraising event and that our day can contribute towards the great work of Brake. BBUS is proud to be one of Brake's corporate partners, as road safety is a top priority for the company."

Brake fundraising manager Katie Shephard added: "Doing a parachute jump is a great way to raise funds for Brake. It's particularly good as a team building exercise and without doubt an exhilarating and unforgettable experience! We urge businesses to be brave and sign up now by calling us on 01484 683 294 or 01484 559909."

For more great fundraising ideas, to find out more or see Brake parachute jump photos and read more parachute experiences visit www.brake.org.uk