Daredevil Basingstoke and Deane mayor to skydive for charity

The daredevil mayor of Basingstoke and Deane is set to launch himself out of a plane to raise funds for his charity appeal.

Paul Miller’s first ever skydive will take place on Saturday, September 10, in aid of his chosen charities Tough Enough to Care and The Pink Place incorporating the Blue Space.

Mr Miller, 77, will take the leap along with representatives from his charities and will freefall from 15,000 feet before parachuting to the ground at Old Sarum airfield.

As a veteran of the Royal Air Force, Mr Miller has flown many types of aircraft, amassing some 400 hours of flying time throughout his long military career.

The septuagenarian said: “As an ex-RAF pilot I am well-used to flying and have had the opportunity to take the controls of a range of aircraft but I have never actually jumped from a plane and felt that this would be an ideal challenge to raise funds for my charity appeal.

“Although the thought of the skydive is daunting, I really want to overcome that apprehension and raise money for two local good causes who do so much to support our communities.

“Any sponsorship, no matter how big or small, would mean the world to me and will make a real difference to my charities.”

Tough Enough to Care is a mental health charity that focuses on male-dominated environments such as the military, construction trades and sports clubs with an aim to remove the stigma that surrounds the subject of mental health while making it an everyday conversation.

The Pink Place, incorporating The Blue Space for men, provides free wellbeing services, complementary therapies, counselling, mindfulness sessions and support to adults affected by cancer living in Basingstoke and the surrounding area from initial diagnosis throughout treatment and beyond.

To find out more about the mayor’s skydive and to make a donation to the charity appeal, visit https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/mayor-skydive