Intrepid skydivers take a leap of faith
The group that took part in the 'Reach for the Skies' fundraising Sky Dive to help raise funds for Stradbally Parish churches.
TEN adrenaline junkies led by Stradbally PP Fr David Vard jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet to raise funds for new sound systems for three churches in the parish.
The motley crew, including a former Laois Rose of Tralee and an ex-garda, were ably assisted by eight other parishioners.
There was no need to worry about their safety, though. After their free-falling escapade, they all managed to land comfortably enough on terra firma after their parachutes successfully opened.
Family members of the crew and several local parishioners were on hand to welcome them back down to earth as they all landed on the deck.
Their high-flying efforts have managed to raise more than €20,000 to date, which will now go towards the new sound systems planned for churches in Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe.
The ‘Reach for the Skies’ fundraising skydive took place at the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue, Co Offaly on Sunday 6 October.
Each jumper was strapped in tandem to an expert skydiver from the parachute club.
Leader of the pack Fr Vard said that he was surprised by the incredible amount of funds raised to date as he had expected about €7,000, but with the figure surpassing €20,000 he was hugely appreciative of the support that has been shown to the fundraiser and to his fellow parachutists.
He thanked everyone who had sponsored his team mates, their efforts and all those who have donated to date.
Fr Vard said that online donations are still be accepted on the GoFundMe page ‘Stradbally Parish – Reach for the Skies'.
