20/07/10 - Employees Make a Giant Leap for Charity

Jade Wallis, PR & Communications for Thomas Vale who raised money for the Stroud Valleys Project in Gloucestershire said: “The contrast between heart stopping free-fall and relaxing parachute glide was huge. You went from total excitement to being very chilled in 30 seconds. Everyone who jumped all agreed it was one of the best experiences ever. And as a good bonus we managed to raise over £4,000 for some very worthwhile causes.”

All ten of the Thomas Vale staff jumped, despite the temperamental weather which caused delays on the day.

Claire Fell, Group HR Manager at Thomas Vale who raised money for The Air Ambulance said: “It took 25 minutes to ascend to the height of 10,000 feet (2 miles) - The houses did look like dots! At 10,500 feet the plane stopped accelerating and the door was opened.Our ears instantly popped and it becomes even more of a reality!!!

I have to admit that I did scream for the whole free fall that seemed to last for ages. It was in fact just over 30 seconds and 5,000 feet - yes, that's about 125 miles per hour! Then there was a huge tug and the 'chute was open. The sun was shining and the views over the Shropshire plains were beautiful for the next 3-4 minutes of descent”.

Thomas Vale Construction is dedicated to supporting local charities. and is once again the principal sponsor of Ability Counts, West Midlands. The regional Ability Counts leagues are supported by county FA's as part of their disability development plan, giving disabled footballers the opportunity to play regular competitive football. So far this year, Thomas Vale has raised a massive £7,000 for the football club.