An 88-year-old former RAF motor mechanic (MT mech) jumped from 15,000 feet in a tandem skydive, raising hundreds for the RAF Association.
Roger Allton, from Radcliffe-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire, jumped at Skydive Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire on 10 September as part of RAFA Jumps. He was due to jump in May, but it was postponed due to the weather.
“The jump was really exciting, and I enjoyed every minute. The dive itself was fast but felt very controlled. I want to do it again!” said Roger, who raised over £1,200 for the Association.
Roger, a keen private pilot who has clocked up hundreds of hours in gliders and powered aircraft, jumped from 15,000 feet, freefalling at up to 120mph down to 5,000 feet before the parachute opened and he landed safely.
Roger served his National Service in the RAF from 1954-56, where he served as a Senior Aircraftman stationed at RAF Seletar in Singapore. On leaving the RAF, he joined his father as a wholesale grocer, and was responsible for the opening of the first SPAR stores in the UK.
Roger has twice taken part in wing walking for the Association, and he has also participated in the Association’s annual cycling event RAFA Rides. Over the years, Roger has run two marathons (Robin Hood and London), and 49 half-marathons, always raising money for local charities.
Pete Brocklehurst, Community & Challenge Fundraiser for the Association, said: “We’re thrilled that Roger had such a wonderful experience. We’re incredibly grateful for Roger’s fundraising efforts, which will be used to continue the Association’s work to support the RAF community. It just shows that you’re never too old to fulfil your ambitions and try your hand at something new.”
