A CHELMSFORD man who is scared of heights and flying has raised more than £600 for an autism charity by completing a skydive.
Dave Todd, 29, and his 25-year-old fiancée Kayleigh Dean, who live in central Chelmsford, both jumped for Autism Anglia last Monday at Beccles Airfield near Lowestoft.
Mr Todd, who currently works for Essex Cares looking after vulnerable people at home, used to work for the autism charity, which provides information and support to those with autism and their families, several years ago.
While it was the first skydive for both of them, it was Mr Todd who was the most nervous.
He said: "I was really, really worried. I had to look out the window trying not to think about what I was about to do. I just sat there with my eyes shut and waited to begin falling.
"I was the first one out of the plane.
"As you begin falling, you are a bit wobbly – you start falling feet first, but then you level out.
"Your stomach goes at first when you fall out of the plane.
"It was an amazing feeling – it's not like a rollercoaster – there's nothing that can compare to that really," he said.
His fear of flying did not put him off as he only felt sick once the parachute opened.
However, while he enjoyed it, it has not banished his fear completely.
"I'm not sure I will be doing it again," he admitted.
The couple managed to raise £640 – beating their target of £600, but the pair "want to raise as much money as possible".
Mr Todd explained why he chose Autism Anglia as his chosen charity to donate to: "It's really worthy. Money is difficult to come by – they do not have many facilities. I wanted to put a little bit back."
Anna Rogers, fundraising officer for Autism Anglia, said: "We all think it's absolutely brilliant that Dave and Kayleigh completed this challenge in aid of Autism Anglia.
"For Dave to even think about doing a skydive when he's scared of even getting into an aeroplane is such an achievement.
"It wasn't the best weather conditions for them but they still did it and raised an amazing amount of money for Autism Anglia.
"We are always grateful to anyone who undertakes such a challenge to help support our work with people in our region who are affected by autism."
To donate to Dave and Kayleigh in aid of Autism Anglia, visit: www.justgiving.com/Dave AndKayleigh
