A 91-year-old Churchill Living Owner has successfully completed a tandem skydive in a remarkable fundraising effort, raising £5,000 for the Rowleys Centre for the Community in Cranleigh.
Alan Still, who lives in an apartment at Churchill’s Manns Lodge in Cranleigh, took to the skies on Sunday 3rd May in support of the Rowleys Centre for the Community, which this year marks its 40th anniversary of serving Cranleigh and surrounding villages.
Thanks to Alan’s fundraising efforts, supported by £1,000 of match funding from the Churchill Foundation, the campaign has now raised an impressive £5,000 in total (including offline donations), providing a welcome boost to the centre’s ongoing work helping to reduce loneliness and bring people together through activities, meals and social connection.
The Rowleys Centre for the Community has been a cornerstone of local life for four decades, supporting residents through a wide range of services designed to strengthen community ties and improve wellbeing.
Rowleys staff Tina and Luba visited Manns Lodge on Friday 12th June for a presentation to recognise Alan’s achievement and thank him for his support. They presented him with a special gift – a ‘thank you’ mug with a photo of his skydive so he can remember it every time he has a cup of tea.
Reflecting on the experience, Alan said: “It was absolutely exhilarating, I’ll never forget going out of that aeroplane and falling through the air, but it was all over so quickly! I’m so grateful to everyone who donated and supported me. Rowleys means a great deal to me, and I hope this helps them continue their fantastic work in the community.
“I never imagined I’d be doing anything like this at 91, but I enjoyed it so much that I’m now planning more fun adventures. I abseiled off the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth earlier this year, and my next challenge is to do a 100mph zipwire in Wales. It gives me something to do and I love the excitement, so why not?”
Churchill Foundation Manager Annie Frederick added: “Alan’s achievement is extraordinary. To take on a skydive at 91 and raise so much money for such an important local cause is incredibly inspiring. We’re proud to support him and proud of the difference this will make to Rowleys.”
Online donations remain open for those wishing to support Alan’s fundraising:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/alan91skydive?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL