SSAFA Volunteer takes on Sky Dive in aid of Armed Forces community

16 April 2021

On April 14, Celia Strickland took part in a skydive in Cyprus to raise money for SSAFA.

This was a birthday present experience, but Celia has put the opportunity to good use and raised money to help support service families and veterans.

Celia said: “It really is out of my comfort zone. I am 45 and only learned to swim properly 2 years ago. I don’t like rides and I would class myself as quite a wimp.

"My husband Paul, who is in the Royal Navy, has completed over 40 jumps now. He started skydiving in 2016 and now he is a skydiving addict. He is an adrenaline junkie, quite the opposite to me.”

Paul has been serving in the Royal Navy for 21 years and Celia and Paul have been based in Cyprus for 2 and a half of those years; with Celia acting as Branch Secretary for SSAFA Cyprus.

A fundraising target of £100 was set, to be split between SSAFA Central in the UK and SSAFA Service Committee at Ayios Nikoloas. Celia has already raised an incredible £700 and is thinking of moving her target up to a mammoth £1000.

Celia said: “When Paul asked if I would like to do a tandem skydive found myself saying yes. Covid has taught me that we must seize the opportunities life throws at us.”