A woman from Flintshire is preparing to jump from a plane at 15,000ft with the Red Devils to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, which supports her brother.
Christine Nunes, who is 56 and from Connah’s Quay in Deeside will finally be ticking a skydive off her bucket list on 11 May at Hibaldstow in North Lincolnshire.
Christine is herself an Army veteran who joined the Woman’s Royal Army Corps in 1985 at 18-years-old. Her family has strong military connections as both her brothers also served in the Army.
She says:
“My older brothers were both in the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and used to take the micky out of me and boast about jumping from planes. I have always wanted to say, I’ve done it too, and now, after 40 years, I finally will be able to.
“I’m a firm believer in, if you’re going to do something, do it right, and for me that means doing my skydive with the best. So, I’ll be jumping from a plane alongside a member of the world’s elite team of skydivers, the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team.
“I saw the Red Devils doing a display last year and heard them talking about offering tandem jumps; I knew I had to do it. I’m totally excited and terrified all at the same time but I’m definitely not going to back down.”
Christine’s brother John has been supported by Blind Veterans UK since 2009 when he lost his sight due to macular degeneration.
John, who is 57-years-old, joined the Parachute Regiment in 1982 and served for ten years.
Christine says:
“I am keen to raise money for Blind Veterans UK to thank them for all the support they have given my brother for many years now. They’ve provided him with equipment to help him remain independent including a computer to work on. They do amazing work for so many veterans.
“John is sadly quite poorly; I want to do this jump sooner rather than later, so he knows I’m doing it for him.
“I will feel so proud on the day and relieved when I make it back down in one piece.”
If you would like to support Christine and help her reach her £500 fundraising target please visit: gofundme.com/f/skydive-with-the-red-devils-army-display-team
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support
