Ten brave JT Daredevils jumped out of a plane last weekend [Saturday 2 September] to raise money for JT’s chosen charity, Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.
The intrepid volunteers plunged at 130 mph for 30 seconds from 10,000 feet above St Aubin’s Bay before parachuting down to land close to the Gunsite slipway. Colleagues, family and friends came down to welcome the Daredevils back to earth and applaud their courage.
After another successful annual JT Charity Day in June, 35 staff members signed up to become JT Daredevils. Ten were selected at random (the maximum number of charitable skydives allowed in a day) to become the first JT Daredevils. The skydivers raised a fantastic £1,000 for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.
Emma Wileman, Credit Collection Manager at JT and chosen Daredevil, said: “It was absolutely incredible! It’s great that so many of us signed up to skydive from across the business, including directors, engineers and call centre staff. It’s been a talking point across the whole company, which means that everyone has been involved. That’s brought us all closer together as well as helped with the fundraising.”
JT runs several charitable initiatives throughout the year. At the beginning of 2017, staff voted for their Charity of the Year and chose Jersey Alzheimer’s Association. Staff in other locations are also supporting local Alzheimer’s-related charities.
Christophe Château, Head of Culture and Staff Engagement at JT, said: “Staff enthusiasm and engagement at JT never ceases to amaze me. After getting everyone to wear odd shoes earlier this year for our annual JT Charity Day, who would have thought we could get ten members of staff to jump out of a plane? I am so proud of my colleagues for taking the leap and raising a £1,000 for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.”
Mark Blamey, Manager of Jersey Alzheimer’s Association, said: “We can’t thank JT enough for choosing to support us this year. Performing a tandem charity skydive is certainly an impressive feat and we’re excited to see what the JT Daredevils will do next! Their efforts will help us to support local people living with dementia and their families.”
The JT Daredevils were not only skydiving to fundraise for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association but to raise awareness of World Alzheimer’s Day on Thursday 21September. JT is now well on its way to achieve its £20,000 target for Alzheimer’s-related charities.