Free parachute jumps

The Meningitis Research Foundation is seeking adrenaline junkies in Devon to jump in their summer skydiving fundraiser.

Stepping out of a plane at 10,000 feet, you will freefall at an exhilarating 120mph for 5,000 feet before pulling the ripcord and gliding gently back to earth.

This experience of a lifetime is free: simply raise the required sponsorship money – minimum £395 – and you’ll have the satisfaction of completing a parachute jump and contributing to the fight against meningitis and septicaemia.

The skydiving is taking place at a dedicated parachute jumping facility in Honiton, with several courses available to suit all levels of experience, from novices to those with parachuting experience.

For more information contact Meningitis Research Foundation’s fundraising team on 01454 281814 or email fundraising@meningitis.org.

Meningitis and septicaemia – the blood poisoning form of the disease – affect around 3,000 people every year in the UK, killing 10% of sufferers and leaving many more with after-effects that could be as severe as brain damage, deafness and amputations. The money raised will help the charity in its work of funding research, promoting education and awareness, and helping individuals and families affected by these devastating diseases.

How to keep your parachute properly

After you have gone for skydiving, you want to take care of your parachute and store it so that it stays safe and is ready for the next time you want to use it. There is a proper way to do this to make sure that your parachute doesn't become damaged.

1 The first thing you will want to do is to deflate the parachute. Place the chute on an area that is dry and make sure that there isn't any more air in it.

Turn the chute to one of it's sides, and fold the tip of the chute towards chute's inside. Continue with the folding in the same way so that the strings of the chute are neatly overlapping.

2. Use a thick cord to tie the parachute's strings, and place them gently on the cloth of the parachute. Continue with the folding of the parachute until you have a small package and place it in a bag that is odor free.

3. Make sure that your parachute is stored in an area that doesn't have any sunlight but has a flow of air that is steady. The bag should be kept away from water, oil and any acidic solutions.

Some other things to remember:
Make sure that the tension is kept on your parachute's lines when it is stored, pulling them gently so that they form a line before tying them up.

If your parachute is exceptionally large, don't store it yourself. Ask a professional to help.
If you stuff your parachute into a bag without folding it, you risk damaging it.

So take the time to fold it and store it properly.