A member of St Peter’s Rawdon has recently completed a sponsored skydive, to help the church reach their fundraising total as part of their involvement in the Give To Go Green project.
Jenny Wilson, Parish Safeguarding Officer, took part in the skydive to help the church raise some £8000, matched by the national church, to enable extensive repairs to their church roof, and to put in LED lighting.
The team at St Peter’s raised £8036 over six weeks, taking them over their goal.
The works being funded are essential in improving the energy efficiency of their building, making the building weather-proof and reducing running costs.
The aim is to try to make the church dry, warm and welcoming and inclusive for all.
The team said in their application that they are excited by this opportunity to prioritise and promote care for the environment, and to take a lead on helping the village of Rawdon engage with the climate crisis.
Of the skydive, Jenny said: “Previously planned for November last year but postponed due to gloomy weather, my epic skydive took place on Sunday, February 2 at Bridlington Airfield.
“The day was dry and bright.
“I was the only girl in my group so bagged a pink parachute; easy to spot when I came down!
“The light aircraft took 20 minutes to reach 10,000 feet and then the door opened and out we fell.
“Me and my tandem Simon were in freefall for 2,000 feet before the chute opened and we bounced upwards.
“The terrific noise of the wind during freefall went silent and I was able to enjoy the beauty of our green and pleasant land; a gorgeous patchwork of fields and the sea rolling into the coast.
“Landing came all too soon, and it was smooth and well-practised.
“The adrenaline is indeed a rush, and when I saw my husband and daughter I wanted to burst into tears!
“Tea and toast on the way home was just the thing to put the smile back on my face.
“Would I do it again?! Yes…!
“Thank you to everyone who supported me and the congregation of St Peter’s Rawdon, in our efforts to secure funding for essential roof repairs.
“It is greatly appreciated and would not have been possible without the 'Give To Go Green' matched funding initiative that gave us the focus of our fundraising."
The third round of Give To Go Green is open, with applications taken until Sunday, March 16.
Churches can apply for up to £10,000 in match funding to support carbon-cutting projects, and will be supported in fundraising during a six week targeted digital campaign.
The national church is strongly encouraging applications for this round of the project, with plenty of resources and support available to be shared.
Reach out to Stewardship Officer, Beth Vickers-Smith (beth.vickers-smith@leeds.anglican.org), to find out more.
The Project pack and application form can be found on the Church of England website here.