Member Article

First Choice Labels take to the skies

Three members of First Choice Labels took to the skies in a bid to raise much needed funds for The Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation. The foundation raises money which is donated to wonderful charities, not for profit organisations and individuals with sporting excellence from across the whole of Teesside.

The First Choice Labels team was made up of Nigel Willis (Managing Director) and two colleagues, Matthew Hazelwood and Jamie-Leigh Phillips put aside their inhibitions and embraced the opportunity of jumping from 10,000 feet in the air - reaching up to speeds of 120 mph.

Speaking about the experience Nigel Willis said “As a proud patron of The Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, I couldn’t say no. I’m proud to be associated with such a brilliant organisation right here on our own doorstep. I discussed the sky diving activity with the rest of the team, and I was delighted when my two colleagues, Matthew and Jamie-Leigh agreed to also take part”.

The skydive took place at the Skydive Academy, Peterlee Parachute Centre in Durham on Saturday 23rd March where all three members families attended, to watch their loved one’s free fall approximately 5,000 feet before gracefully parachuting the final 5,000 feet.

Jamie-Leigh said “I was extremely nervous before jumping from the plane, but once I was in in the sky the adrenaline took over and I can’t describe the sensation. When I landed, I was greeted by my daughter and husband; I genuinely can’t describe the sense of accomplishment and achievement I felt, knowing that I’d confronted a fear to help others.”

Matthew added “It was an amazing experience, especially knowing that you were doing it for such a good cause. The morning was full of emotions from my children not letting go of me as I left them to take to the skies, to the excitement as I jumped from the plane. I can’t wait to do it again!”.

The First Choice Labels team have managed to raise just short of a staggering £1,800 between them for The Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation. However, that’s not all that was raised on the day as they weren’t the only sky divers raising funds for the foundation. Carole Dube from Barclays Bank (Middlesbrough) and avid supporters Vicky-May James and Lee Robertson also skydived from 10,000 feet in the air to help this fantastic charity.

Nigel added “It was a brilliant way to spend a Saturday morning. I’m proud to support such a fantastic charity and I’m even more delighted that I got to share the experience with my family and colleagues. We managed to raise an astonishing amount of money which will help so many individuals within Teesside”.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steven Askham .