Exclusive: MY LEAP OF FAITH, BY TEDDINGTON’S SKYDIVING VICAR
PHOTO NEWS SPECIAL
BY THE INTREPID FATHER DAVID CLOAKE, VICAR OF ST MARY WITH ST ALBAN’S, TEDDINGTON
‘What is the worst that can happen?’ was my catchphrase to all enquiries in the last few weeks preparing for this parachute jump.
Of course we know what the real answer to that is and that wasn’t far from my mind!
In truth, the ‘worst’ would have been no donations, a morning away from the inbox and a rather expensive ‘jolly’ for the vicar!
For those who hadn’t noticed, the date for the jump was the day after Ascension (the Feast of the Descension as it became known) – partly to tickle my own sense of humour!
“Are you in fancy dress?” greeted me at the airfield – my reply was a simple “I am here in case it goes wrong”!
All was very well until I perched (in a late amendment to the plan) on the open door of the plane, now at 15000ft, looking down and not able to grasp anything – no greater test of faith (and modern harness technology), and out I went, bolted as I was to Frank – my new Guardian Angel.
What felt like a split second later – the 9000ft free fall and 6000ft parachute descent was over.
I was able to see Salisbury Cathedral and the Isle of Wight from up there.
Wonderful.
Film and photos taken, jumpsuit returned, I hopped in the car and let Mrs Vicarage drive me home to lunch at the Flying Cloud (from Flying Clown to … you get the idea).
When I prepare my next sermon, I will focus on my opening catchphrase: what is the worst that can happen?
Simple really – we risk having some of the best experiences in our lives.
As for the fundraiser – I aimed for £12k, and we are a smidge over £11k – not quite landed yet!
You can help The Vicar reach his target here: Support Father David’s Parachute jump here and donate to the building project here: Fundraising – Teddington Parish