Wounded veteran prepares to take on World’s highest assisted parachute jump

On Tuesday 4 September, 83-year-old David Bland, who lost his left eye while serving with the Wiltshire Regiment, will be carrying out an assisted free fall parachute jump at the World’s highest skydive site.

David, who lives in Chichester, West Sussex, will be jumping 18,000 feet out of a plane, the world’s highest assisted parachute jump, at Skydive Franz, in New Zealand to raise money for military charity Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.

The fundraising veteran became a Member of the Association in 1956 following a serious injury received while serving in the Infantry during National Service and has completed in a number of epic challenges since, including two abseil challenges down Spinnaker Tower and three separate jumps from 13,500 feet for the charity.

David, who started SPR Centre in 1969 and is now retired, although still the Senior Partner, said: “Blesma’s men and women fought for our country and now need help via Blesma to alleviate their serious injuries caused by their effort and bravery. Contrary and with little if any media coverage they are still arriving back home from Afghanistan with very serious injuries and need your support via Blesma.”

David is hoping to raise £5,000 for Blesma on 4^th September, if you would like to support David, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-bland6 or visit the SPR Centre and sign in with your donation.

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

 

-ENDS- 

Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:
David during his second abseil down Spinnaker Tower - http://blesma.org/media/442992/2nd-abseil-down-the-spinnaker-tower-2017-david-bland.jpg

David during a free fall parachute jump for Blesma - http://blesma.org/media/285072/DAVID-BLAND-Blesma-Free-Fall-Parachute-Jump1-1192012.jpg