Freefall's 'one of the best things you can do legally' says skydiving man with cerebral palsy

Mark Pike’s cerebral palsy diagnosis halted his ambition to join the British Army’s Parachute regiment but he finally got a ride in a parachute thanks to a skydive organised by his home care staff.

Mark Pike had always wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps, who served in the armed forces, by joining the British Army’s Parachute regiment but his condition prevented him from doing so.

Some companies could not fulfil skydive

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscle control and movement. It affects about 1 in every 400 children in the UK, according to disability charity Scope. It is usually caused by an injury to the brain before, during or after birth, but there may be no obvious single reason and there is no cure.

In a wheelchair, Mr Pike's condition meant a skydive was difficult to deliver for home care staff caring for his needs, and they admitted many companies were ‘unable to accommodate his requirements’.

However, staff at Bluebird Care Mendip, his home care provider near Glastonbury, were undeterred and contacted the Army Parachute Association at Netheravon to make Mr Pike's parachute ambition come true.

Staff arranged for Mr Pike to have a tandem skydive to raise money for SSAFA: The Armed Forces Charity.

Bluebird Care Mendip in Somerset is used to making home care visits to people’s homes but this time staff were able to extend their support to Mr Pike by joining him 13,000 ft. up in the sky.

'Freefall was my favourite part'

Mr Pike was accompanied over two miles up, by first-time skydivers Masen Naidoo and Jenny Atkins, Bluebird Care Mendip company director and compliance manager who also took to the skies.

The thrill seeker said he wanted to do the skydive “because it’s one of the best things you can do legally”. After his descent at 120 mph back down to the ground, he said: “I’d recommend it to anybody. I think the freefall was my favourite part.

"The views were absolutely amazing. Our Armed Forces are incredible. Wherever they are, whatever they’re doing, they don’t sleep, so the likes of us can.”

Masen Naidoo, Bluebird Care Mendip company director, said: “It was an amazing day and especially more so that we were able to assist Mark to achieve one of his life’s ambitions.”

Jenny Atkins, Bluebird Care Mendip compliance manager, said: “Despite any fears I might have had about the jump, the reality of facing those fears is something I’ll always be proud of.”

To support Mark Pike’s charity skydive, you can donate here.

click here for more details or to contact Bluebird Care Mendip