Age was no barrier for Aberdeen pensioner John Smith who jumped 10,000ft from a moving plane to raise money for charity.
The now 71-year-old skydiver is encouraging adrenaline-junkies to fundraise for cancer support charity Friends of Anchor.
The charity organises two skydives each year, and this year’s events will take place on April 19 and July 19 in St Andrews.
Last year, 23 people took on the challenge, raising £21,126.74 for the charity.
The “badge for bravery” last year went to the charity’s oldest skydiver to date, Mr Smith.
Mr Smith was 70 when he completed his first skydive.
He explained he had to “jump through a few hoops” to get his ‘fit-to-jump’ papers signed off – but that it was all worth the effort.
He said: “I’ve always been interested in doing a skydive, it’s certainly something a bit different.
“I would do it all again in a heartbeat; the jump was awesome.
“My words to anyone else thinking about doing it: ‘just go and do it, it’s something you will remember for your whole life.”
Mr Smith has seen “many” friends go through the Anchor Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, including his close friend Arthur who died last year.
Carly Munro, finance and fundraising coordinator for Friends of Anchor, said: “Our skydive is the perfect way to tick that thrill-seeking adventure off your bucket list while also raising funds for cause close to your heart.”
For more information or to sign up, e-mail info@friendsofanchor.org, call 01224 859170 or visit
https://friendsofanchor.org/index.php/events/foa-skydive
