Skydiving for charity

In an awe-inspiring display of courage and determination, 94-year-old Greenwood Park resident, Jean Crabtree, together with a group of 17 friends and family members, embarked on a thrilling skydiving adventure to raise money for Hato Hono Saint John’s ambulance.

With a combined aged of more than 1,100 years, and including four generations from Jean’s own family, the group challenged their own limits and soared through the sky from a staggering height of 12,000 feet.

“Skydiving can be scary for some, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ve never said no to a challenge and like to show that anyone, regardless of their age, can achieve something if you put your mind to it,” says Jean.

While Jean was completing her third skydive – having previously celebrated her 85th and 90th birthdays with a jump – 96-year-old John Rowlandson was making his skydiving debut, and loved every moment of it.

“It was just like sitting in an armchair, looking out the window at a beautiful view.”

John said he was able to do two somersaults during the skydive which reminded him of his childhood days when he did gymnastics.

“I used to do gymnastics and every time I'd do a somersault, I usually landed on my backside rather than my feet and I thought this time, there will be no problem with the landing!” he laughed.

The team have raised $45,000 to date, and Jean and John are already planning their next skydive to celebrate Jean’s 100th birthday!