Jules Woodman who runs Appletree Theatre and Mel Davies who works for Arts Alive and Flicks in the Sticks are making the tandem jump in Netheravon on Salisbury Plain on 1st April.

Both sons still teenagers, Benn and Sam, are currently on tour in Afghanistan and the pair feels they need to do something to show their pride they feel for their lads and the whole of the Parachute Regiment.

Mel Davies says “Pilgrim Bandits offered us the opportunity to take part in this sponsored tandem jump and we were only too pleased to accept the challenge. Last year I took part in the Para 10 an endurance race that forms just one part of the P Company challenge week Para have to pass, so a jump seemed the next step for me!

“Gaining your ‘wings’ marks the end of the gruelling training a soldier undertakes to become part of the Parachute Regiment. On 1st April we are thrilled to be jumping alongside veterans who have lost limbs including the inspirational Ben Parkinson . He is the personality behind Parkie’s Jump Programme which is a continuation of his belief that all things are possible whether disabled or not, a day where all parties are equal in conquering fears and a chance for members of the public to support Forces amputees. What makes our jump even more special is that Jules husband Martin, and my daughter Alice will be jumping alongside us, this really is a family event. The Parachute Regiment is renowned for its strong bond amongst the lads, they are Airborne Brothers, and this extends to the families we are all part of the Regiment family!”

The Pilgrim Bandits charity was set up 5 years ago by a group of ex special forces. They offer the public the chance to take part in challenges that will stretch the individual and introduce them into unknown environments. All the money we raise supports forces amputees, veterans along with other smaller forces projects. We also hope to be able to fund research and developments into Prosthetics for our wounded.

To sponsor Jules or Mel please visit www.pilgrimbandits.com visit the Jump with Parkie programme page listed on the left and then click on the photograph of who you want to sponsor.