Andrew's jump

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Spotlight On... Andrew Innes

How did you get roped into this event?
I'm not really sure! Our Community Fundraising Manager Rachel McKenzie was heading up to Killiekrankie as a test run before we start promoting the event to our supporters and asked if anyone else wanted to go. Killiekrankie is one of my favourite places in the world, and I found myself volunteering. It's certainly not the sort of thing I would usually be doing, but I suppose that was also part of the attraction.

What happens during the registration process?
You can download the booking form from our website. You fill it out and send it to us along with a deposit cheque for £50, and Rachel will send you a fundraising pack with sponsor forms and details of how you can set up your own fundraising page. I did both an old-fashioned paper sponsor form, and also set up a Just Giving page. Just Giving was very quick to set up and was very easy for everyone to use - it takes away all the problems of collecting in the cash, and Gift Aid is automatically claimed by Just Giving for the charity. I was especially happy about this as it meant less processing in my role as Donations Co-Ordinator!

How much do you have to raise in sponsorship?
There is a minimum sponsorship of £150.

Who else was taking part?
A whole variety of people from all over the country and beyond, from seasoned thrill seekers to quiet nervous wrecks like me!

What happened on the day?
You all meet at the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre at Killiekrankie, just north of Pitlochry. You get registered at the desk and they will take your weight and measurements for your harness. After that it's off to the bridge in a minibus just down the road. You climb up to the underside of the bridge which is fitted out with walkways and follow the directions of the staff from there. Soon you are fitted with further safety equipment, which is triple and quadruple checked, and pose for photographs. Then before you know it, you're standing on the edge ready to jump! After the jump you get pulled back up to the bridge and the minibus takes you back to the centre where you can view and purchase photographs of your achievement.

What does the money raised go towards?
All funds raised will be going to the Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

Having taken part in a sponsored event, why should others do the same?
Besides helping to raise important funds for the Foundation, it is a great way to challenge yourself and maybe find out something about yourself in the process. And last but not least, it's a fantastic feeling - what had been a quiet, nervous minibus driving out was a loud and excited minibus driving back, with everyone comparing notes about their incredible experience.

Any regrets?
None at all. Since doing it, I feel much more able and willing to take on challenges in other areas of life, and I'm definitely more open to new experiences and ways of looking at things.

Feeling inspired? Why not look up all Challenge Events and sign up