Mike's 85th birthday skydive
Mike’s 85th birthday skydive
A daredevil fundraiser is gearing up for his tenth skydive for St Michael’s Hospice – just weeks before his 85th birthday.
Mike Pullin has supported the Bartestree-based Hospice for the last quarter of a century, helping bring in the astonishing figure of almost £600,000.
He will take to the skies at the end of July alongside a team of fellow St Michael’s supporters.
And no matter how many times he’s done it, Mike says nothing can match the thrill of jumping out of a plane.
‘It’s great fun, and so exhilarating. I first skydived on holiday in Mexico in the late 90s, but I didn’t think it would lead to this.’
His first jump for St Michael’s was a static line jump (without an instructor) with the Golden Valley Flyers back in 2000. On that occasion he raised about £6,000.
In 2019 he skydived for the ninth time, raising £16,000.
While on terra firma, Mike set-up the Hospice Angels fundraising group, made up of a group of biking enthusiasts who all wish to help their Hospice.
The group has been on several overseas trips over the years, visiting eight of Herefordshire’s twin towns, all the while raising money and awareness of St Michael’s.
‘It’s a charity I care deeply about,’ added Mike.
‘The work carried out by those at St Michael’s is exemplary, and I have known many people who have received this care, and they have all been so grateful.’
Before jumping out of planes, Mike had already spent four years raising money for St Michael’s.
His journey began in 1996 during his 60th birthday party.
‘I charged all my guests £5, and invited donations to the Hospice.
‘That night 25 years ago raised £1,650, and signalled the start of my fundraising for St Michael’s.
‘It’s a journey which has allowed me to meet hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of people and one which has taken me to 19 different countries.
‘But I’m not done yet. My focus now is on 31st July and the skydive above Salisbury Plain.
‘It would be great, as a group, to raise £10,000 during this day.’
To sponsor Mike, you can call him on 07454 155411 or email mikepullin7@icloud.com
Caption: Mike Pullin (left) with friend Justin Frank Hydes following a previous skydive for St Michael’s.