Had to send the video in Dropbox as the file is enormous. Apologies if you know exactly what to do to see it but I needed tuition! Copy the link and paste it into your browser. Press the picture- decline the app using the x in the top right- press the play arrow. Hope it works. Hazel xx

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w4k851iiantdgoq/HAZEL%20MCGREGOR.mp4?dl=0

I arrived at Shotton Airfield under clear blue skies and a very warm day. The training was quite short but very direct and the instructor was very thorough. I was assigned to a very handsome young man by the name of Ally who strapped me into my harness and introduced me to James who was the cameraman. We all piled into the bus and out to the runway to the plane. I had “speedy boarding” well actually Ally said “Get In first” little did I know that meant I’d be out last. We were all in a row straddled over the bench seat, two sides and about five on the floor. It was a strange sensation as we were all facing backwards, I’ve never done that in a plane before. It took about fifteen minutes to get to fifteen thousand feet. The views were glorious, we even flew over Cotsford Infants. The Durham coastline was spectacular on such a gorgeous day. I didn’t have time to be scared after the green light came on and people started piling out. Ally just shuffled me to the floor and we sat on the edge for a millisecond and then we were out. The free fall was exhilarating, we spun and looped and there was even time to wave at James, mind you I thought at one point I would lose my earrings as the wind was whistling past my ears. When the parachute opened everything slowed down and it was so gentle and peaceful all the way down. I could even see Jamie, Jan and Gordon watching from the side of the airfield. The landing was much easier than I’d expected, I had to put my feet up and then I slid along on my bum until we stopped. What an unforgettable experience, I would recommend it to anyone and huge thanks to Liz for the idea. The amazing total raised for Danny’s Snowdrop Fund just added to the “high” of the day. Thank you everyone for your love and generosity, I have been really touched by the response. Jamie says I’m touched anyway but that’s the young for you. Hazel xx PS more pictures if you press the square on the first one