Scout leaders in freefall but land safely for cash

Three North Yorkshire Scout leaders have made a groundbreaking freefall parachute drop for all the right reasons.

Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts (HANDS) District Commissioner Helen Westmancoat and Scout Network members Jinnie Powell and Owen Townsend did not dent the earth after jumping from 15,000ft.

Their plummet above Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire one Sunday in April was groundbreaking because the trio are believed to be the first scout leaders in the country to make such a jump, raising £350 for Saint Michael’s Hospice in Harrogate in the process.

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“It was a fantastic experience made all the more pleasurable because we had to cancel two previous attempts because of bad weather,” Mrs Westmancoat said. “It is great to think that not only have we raised so much money but have also possibly broken a record – rather than any bones – in the process.”

The trio jumped in tandem roughly three miles high - or the equivalent distance from Knaresborough to Harrogate by road. Some of their instructors were Scouts and Scout leaders.

A fourth member of the team, Luke Roslin, was unable to jump on the day, but has re-scheduled for a later date.

Anyone interested in joining the Scouts or taking part in another jump can contact Helen on [email protected] or call 0845 496 0276.