Head in the clouds at 80!

Stan Wild has literally pushed safety boundaries to the limit by completing a parachute jump in Salisbury on Sunday 6th September, to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Stan has been a very active resident of Drum Housing for around fifteen years and lives at one of Drum’s sheltered schemes in Petersfield. After trekking across Bolivia ten years ago for his 70th birthday, Stan wanted to celebrate his 80th in an equally memorable way. Jumping from a speeding aeroplane at 10,000 feet high and falling at 120mph held no fear for Stan; the freefall jump presented an exciting challenge for him.

Commenting on the panoramic views of Old Sarum, near Salisbury, Stan said:  “I didn’t feel in the least bit nervous. It was exhilarating and I enjoyed a terrific adrenaline rush as the speed increased. The next best thing was the view which was totally stunning”. Stan had wanted to do a solo jump but was advised to do this in tandem for a safer landing, in view of the arthritis in his hips and knees.

Stan’s experience was closely watched by his proud family and around twenty close friends, and ended with a celebratory BBQ organised by his local pub landlord. Used to her father’s adventurous spirit, Susan Whitley, one of Stan’s daughters said:  “We were worried during the long 20 minutes it took for him to reach maximum height as he was completely out of sight, and thought he may have even changed his mind at the last minute.  We were so relieved when we saw him appear through the clouds. We are all very proud of him and all the grandchildren think he’s a crazy old man … but very cool!”

Proving the sky is not the limit, Stan is now focussed on marking his 90th birthday with another breath-taking experience and plans to do a Wing Walk, although he admits he may not wait another ten years to do this.

As well as fulfilling his ambition of completing a freefall jump, Stan has raised money for his chosen charity, Dreams Come True, which realises the treasured dreams of seriously ill children. Any additional donations are welcome; please log on to dctc.org.uk

Stan is highly respected within Drum Housing, having been actively involved as a resident Board member as well as organising residents’ events.