St basils former CEO Jean Templeton, Director of Progression Louise Bourne and Health and Safety Manager David Adjei will take a tandem leap from 13,000ft on 10 October, raising vital funds for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across the West Midlands.
Three St Basils colleagues will jump from a plane on World Homelessness Day in a fundraising challenge designed to highlight the urgent need for safe accommodation and support for young people facing homelessness.
The tandem skydive will see former St Basils CEO Jean Templeton, Director of Progression Louise Bourne and Health and Safety Manager David Adjei take to the skies at 13,000ft to raise money for the charity, which supports more than 4,500 vulnerable young people every year.
The trio have each seen first-hand the difference that safe accommodation, practical support and opportunities can make to a young person’s life. Their challenge aims to raise vital funds while drawing attention to the realities faced by young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
For Jean, who spent more than 25 years at St Basils, the skydive is an opportunity to continue supporting the young people at the heart of the charity’s work.
Jean Templeton, former CEO of St Basils, said:“For me, this is all about the young people. I’ve seen throughout my time at St Basils just how much the right support, at the right time, can change a young person’s life. If throwing myself out of a plane helps raise money to give more young people that chance, then I’m very happy to take the leap, although I’m not sure I’ll be quite so enthusiastic when I’m standing at the aircraft door!”
For Louise, the challenge represents another major personal achievement. Having lost an incredible 11 stone, she is no stranger to setting herself ambitious goals.
Louise Bourne, Director of Progression at St Basils, said: “I’ve lost over 11 stone, so I’ve already proved to myself that I can take on something that once felt completely impossible. A 13,000ft skydive is definitely another level, but I’m determined to do it. It’s a huge personal challenge, but knowing we’re raising money for young people makes it even more worthwhile. I’m excited, nervous and probably slightly mad, but I’m going for it!”
David’s role at St Basils makes the challenge particularly fitting, and perhaps slightly ironic.
David Adjei, Health and Safety Manager at St Basils, said: “I spend my working life telling people how to stay safe, so I’m not entirely sure what possessed me to agree to jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane! But it’s for a brilliant cause, and I’m looking forward to doing something a bit crazy with Jean and Louise. I’m just hoping my colleagues don’t have too many questions when I get back!”
The skydive will take place on 10 October, marking World Homelessness Day, which brings organisations and communities together to raise awareness of homelessness and highlight the action needed to prevent and end it.
St Basils supports young people aged 16 to 25 across the West Midlands through accommodation, advice, support and opportunities. The charity helps young people develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to move away from homelessness and build a positive future.
The team hopes the challenge will encourage people to support their fundraising and learn more about the experiences of young people facing homelessness.
To support the St Basils, skydive team and help raise money for young people facing homelessness, visit St Basils: St Basils Skydive – World Homelessness Day
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