Doddington mum Syrah Arnold completes charity skydive
Even though she's always been terrified of heights, artist and community-worker Syrah Arnold has recently thrown herself out of a plane for charity.
The mum of one from Doddington completed the skydive the day after her 50th birthday, to raise money for Younger People With Dementia.
Syrah, who is originally from Chippenham in Wiltshire, hoped to raise £1,500 before her jump, but with support from family and friends she managed to smash her target raising over £2,000.
Syrah completed her jump over Salisbury Plain at 15,000ft and free-fell for a minute, reaching a speed of 125mph, before the parachute was deployed.
She said "It was the most amazing feeling, initially realising that you were dangling outside of an aeroplane at three miles above the ground before diving away into the air!
"The rush was astounding but it was also incredibly peaceful and beautiful. We enjoyed a five minute descent to earth after the free-fall and it was such a clear beautiful day that we enjoyed stunning views and could see across to the Isle of Wight. This has been a really hard year for me, with the death of several friends and my mother – so May 19 and throwing myself out of a plane now seems like a marker for a fresh beginning and a great start to my 50th year, as well as raising funds for such a worth-while charity."
Younger People With Dementia focuses on quality of life for people of working age affected by dementia and their carers, providing creative opportunities that help those affected communicate better but also engage more fully in positive activities. Syrah added "With it estimated that one person every three seconds is diagnosed with a form of dementia, finding a cure is obviously important but I also passionately feel that much more focus needs to be placed on the quality of people's lives and the care provided should be more creative and person-centred.
"Creativity helps people tap into non-verbal ways of communicating and helps to keep relationships strong and re-build bridges in relationships that the dementia has damaged".
Syrah, who has worked creatively with adults with dementia and their carers, lives in Doddington with her husband and son, working as a community artist and co-ordinator for Fenland Community Arts, working with adults with mental health issues and those at risk of isolation in the community.
Syrah, who is keeping her Just Giving Page open until June 8, added "I am madly hoping to double the fundraising to £4,000, though I think that's probably a very tall-order. However, any further donations at all would be amazing. I truly am so very grateful to all those that have supported my charity skydive".
To donate visit: www.justgiving.co.uk
