A huge thank you to W.Bro Martin Sycamore, Charity Steward of Aeronautical Lodge No. 9647 at Chingford, for organising a truly high-flying fundraising event for TLC Essex!

On Saturday 14th June 2025, Martin arranged a 13,000-foot Skydive with UK Parachuting at Beccles Airfield in Suffolk to raise funds for the appeal. Proving that he’s a very committed Charity Steward (though perhaps not the most cautious dad!), he also recruited his youngest daughter, Kim, and her friends Anne and Sharon to join in their first-ever parachute jumps.

Despite some pre-jump nerves, the ladies loved every second of the adrenaline-filled experience—and reportedly would’ve gone again if there’d been space on the next plane!

Adding to the day’s fun, AeroTed—Big Ted’s adventurous pilot brother—made history as the first teddy to skydive with UK Parachuting, thanks to Senior Instructor Mark King, who safely guided him to earth.

Together, Kim, Anne, Sharon, and AeroTed raised a magnificent £4,578.75 for TLC Essex! After their jump, each of the skydivers received their official Skydive certificates, and we had the great pleasure of presenting them all with TLC Essex Supporter Certificates to recognise their incredible efforts.

This event was truly unforgettable—brave, bold, and brilliantly generous.

Feeling inspired? Our next skydive is a 12,000-foot tandem jump with Go Skydive at Headcorn, Kent on Friday 25th July 2025.

Fancy joining us? Reach for the skies and support a great cause!