Bungee Jumping Guide

A BROTHER and sister have jumped 160ft off a bridge to raise cash to send disabled youngsters on holiday.

Game for a challenge: Fundraisers Steve and Anna Mawson from Moresby Steve and Anna Mawson took part in a sponsored bungee jump this week and raised around £1,000.

The money will go to the Cumbrian branch of the Pilgrimage Trust – which helps children who have a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.

The pair, from Bigrigg and Moresby, were supposed to complete the jump at Middlesbrough’s transporter bridge final month, but since of high winds this was called off, so was rescheduled for last Sunday. (SEPT 5)

Steve, a wastewater maintenance engineer for United Utilities, said: “I loved it. It felt like it took ages when you were doing it, you couldn’t hear a thing.

“Then you just felt like somebody was attempting to snap your ankles when the bungee kicked in.”

Steve mentioned that he is now planning to complete 300ft jump, but 25-year-old Anna will not be joining him this time, as she did not share his love for the bounce.

And if that wasn’t gruelling enough, 29-year-old Steve, from Bigrigg, is now training for the Good Cumbrian Run which takes place on October 10.

The thought for the bounce came from Steve’s work mate Alan Raby, who volunteers with the charity.

Steve and Alan have teamed up for fundraising challenges before. Final New Year’s Eve the two guys plunged into Whitehaven harbour, where five minutes in water eight degrees below freezing netted them £300, doubled by their employer United Utilities.

For both males, the physical feats involved have seen them get incredibly fit and lose a considerable amount of weight, with Steve shedding 10 stone and Alan losing four.

The occasion, organised by the Lichfield Lizards Motorcycle Club, saw hundreds of people visit Lichfield Social Club in Netherstowe on Sunday, in assistance from the charity which helps wounded service personnel returning from Afghanistan.

Those with a daredevil spirit were lifted high off the ground in a crane cage above the social club’s car park.

There was wind, rain and sunshine but dozens jumped watched by the supportive crowd.

Live music was performed inside the club and youngsters enjoyed the bouncy castle.

Cash was also raised via a raffle stall which was manned by Rebecca and Charlotte Hutchings and their parents Sarah and Andy.

Lichfield man Glen Freeman who attended with wife Joanne and their daughters – Francesca, aged seven, and five-year-old Sophie paid tribute towards the Lichfield Lizards.

“They make such an effort in organising these events for Support for Heroes,” said Glen.

“I would like to say a big thank you for the club’s president Dave Gouldingay and all in the members.”

Glen’s wife Joanne added: “This is often a fantastic occasion and in a fantastic cause.

“Our armed forces put their lives around the line for us so it’s nice to offer some thing back.”

Dave Gouldingay stated the total collected on the day was £2,352.03 and an estimated £2,000 is expected in sponsorship cash.

He explained it was an ‘amazing day despite the weather’.

“So quite a few folks turned out to show their support,” stated Dave.

“Being ex-Army, Support For Heroes is really a quite close to my heart.

“Our boys and girls are doing a amazing, difficult job out there and they deserve the quite finest in rehabilitation that this charity assists assistance.

“Our Armed forces will require our assist for a incredibly time to come, so I hope individuals like ourselves will continue to provide aid to what I look at to be one of the best charities this country has.”

On behalf on the Lizards, Dave paid tribute to thanks everybody who came along on the day and supported the occasion.