Crazy OAP John Yeoman paraglides for the Amazons Breast Cancer Support Group -- Kings Mill Hospital -- Charity Number 1068744

When my wife Margaret and I attended, Morcar Lodge No. 8458 Ladies Festival, as guests on Saturday, March 7th 2009 at the Oakham Suite Mansfield, I have no appreciation how the events of that evening would unfold from that normally encounted -- a sumptuous meal followed by the usual address and dancing. At 10 p.m. during a break I visited the "you know where" and as I re-entered the Hall the W.M. was conducting an auction in aid of St John's ambulance. I was informed that this was in the form of a flight, to where I had no idea but began bidding and about £100 it was knocked down to me. The W. M. came across to thank me, after which I asked "Where do I fly from, Gatwick or Heathrow?" To which the response was “No John, "it's a paraglide!!!". My wife, Margaret, upon reaching home, expressed her immediate disapproval, followed by an ear bashing stating "You must be bonkers, a man of your age should have more sense". After ½ hour she calmed down, saying "If you are doing it, raise money for charity". My reply was name your charity and the Amazons Support Group was choosen. With the help worshipful Brother Mike Bull who very kindly prepared sponsor forms, we began collecting at the Mother's Day lunch at the Oakham Suite, followed by sponsorship from Kirkeby Lodge, Morcar Lodge, Kirkeby Lodge ladies Festival, Mansfield Lodge of instruction, the Probus Club of Sutton in Ashfield. Further contributions were received from friends and neighbours on Maple Avenue and by members of the Amazons Support Group who obtained sponsorship for me.

At lunchtime on 29th June I received a call from Ben, who was a paraglide instructor, and who was to accompany me in tandem with the words "Can you fly today John?". At 3 p.m. we met at home, then Martha and I follow Ben through Castleton heading for Mamtor, stopping by a meadow in the valley which Ben suggested would be an ideal landing place.

Unloading our equipment we hiked to the top, our chosen take off site being approximately ½ a mile away. Donning the harness, Ben kitted me out, unfolded the glider and off we went, leaving Margaret alone. After approximately ½ hr Ben asked if I would say when I had enough, to which I replied "Ben this has been an unforgettable experience, I have enjoyed every minute, raised a good amount for the charity and now I'm ready to land". The thought of landing down in the meadow as Ben had earlier suggested did not inspire me, I didn't feel good about Margaret having to walk back to the top car park alone as I had observed quite a number of lone walkers around. When my feelings were expressed to Ben he pointed out that due to the wind speed, which was 11 mph, it might not be a good landing to which I REPLIED "I will take a chance on that".

As we touched down the wind took the paraglide forward and down, falling forward on my face and with Ben on top of me, his knee in my back, we were dragged for what felt miles but of course it was only about 30 yards. As we picked ourselves up Ben was quite concerned about my well-being, "How are you John, are you hurt at all?" To which I replied "No, not at all -- I'm fine". Packing up our kit we met Margaret and returned to the car and drove home. After a hot shower and a good night’s sleep I felt good, however on Wednesday morning I had quite a pain in the top of my back. The next morning I could not lift my head on the pillow, my neck muscles were into spasm, a visit to my GP confirmed that I was suffering from whiplash.

Fortunately after a couple of weeks I was fine, with the result on July 14th I handed a cheque over on behalf of Kirkby Lodge for the sum of £1422.40 to the Amazon Group, this made the pain worthwhile.

Well done John, what next - white water rafting - just don't try motorcycling racing. - Peter. PS - the title here was John's words not mine!