Eight daring supporters are mentally preparing themselves for a tandem skydive with the expert Red Devil team in just two weeks’ time.

Invest ESSEX, Vision Co-working Space in Chelmsford, team members from KFC (KEFCO East Anglian franchise) and two individuals have set themselves a challenge of a lifetime – a bucket list jump that will be a party piece story for years to come.

The big jump will take place in Nottingham, the base of the Red Devils – British Army’s parachute Regiment – planned for Tuesday 21 May (weather permitting) and is an important challenge event in the Kids Inspire calendar as it will bring in generous funding to the local children’s charity.

Team members from Invest ESSEX will make two of the eight-strong crew and have already gone a long way in raising significant funds for Kids Inspire. 

David Rooke, Invest ESSEX Location Services Director, commented: “I am excited about the challenge itself but even more excited about the prospect of raising significant sums of money that could help make a real difference to young people. Those funds could help them through difficult times and hopefully provide them with the support that enables them to go into adulthood with positive minds and optimism to live their lives to the full.”

Alongside much-appreciated corporate support, individuals often take on personal challenges in support of charity. In this case, Aileen Donnelly, a retired Assistant Director of Education, will be jumping from a plane in support of Kids Inspire.

Aileen said: “I’ve been a supporter of Kids Inspire for over seven years now and am passionate about the aims of the charity, including the holistic approach and its philosophy.

“I previously worked in SEN children services across the country and worked at county level too, this is now my turn to give something back to support a cause. I have always been up for the skydive challenge but never got around to it after my first attempt (20 years ago) was called off due to bad weather.”

Katharine Loveday Corporate Fundraiser for Kids Inspire, said: “We are so grateful to all of the eight supporters who are taking this amazing challenge in support of the Kids Inspire community. This is a huge personal challenge to take on and we are delighted that so many have been inspired and willing to be a part of the skydive this year.”