Tracy's jump is height of ambition
THE OFFICE manager of a Teesside civil engineering firm raised hundreds of pounds for charity when she challenged herself to complete a parachute jump.
Tracy Wheatman, the longest serving employee at Henderson Campbell in Guisborough, was determined to make her 20s a decade to remember and set herself a list of things to achieve before she turned 30.
And, with just two months to go, she ticked off the toughest task of the lot when she jumped from an aeroplane 10,000ft above Peterlee. Strapped to an instructor, Tracy went half the distance in freefall before a 5,000 feet parachute glide back down to earth.
"The freefall part went by in a blur but, once the parachute slowed us down I was able to enjoy the views which were absolutely fantastic," said Tracy. “It was such a clear day, you could see for miles – right out to sea and up and down the coast.
"It was definitely an experience and I am glad I did it – but I don't think I will be doing another one!"
Thanks to generous sponsorship from her employer and several of the company's associates and suppliers, Tracy was able to donate £1,366 to Cancer Research UK – a charity close to her heart as her father was teatedr for bowel cancer.
Clive Wheatman has made a full recovery and is now an enthusiastic supporter of Lynn's Bowel Cancer Campaign, set up by former TVWatchdog presenter Lynn Faulds Wood.
Now Tracy is busy trying to tick off other challenges on her pre-30th birthday must-dos. She has achieved the one at the top of the list which was to own a convertible car but is remaining tight-lipped on the details of the others. Managing director Antony Henderson said all the staff were full of admiration for their colleague.
