Charity skydive raises £3,500 and counting

Ballygally man Peter Steele organised a sponsored skydive to help secure vital funds for his charity, Spinal Injury Northern Ireland (SpINI).

Peter, who was left paralysed from the waist down after a freak accident in 2009, set up the charity in an effort to help others in his position.

And 13 brave men and women took part in the fundraising event, which saw them free-fall for 7,000ft in a dual harness with a professional instructor, before the parachute opened and they glided safely to the ground.

The skydive, which has so far raised the fantastic sum of £3,500, is the latest in a long line of fundraising initiatives designed to benefit SpINI, with previous events including a Tour de Glens cycle run and an epic climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Peter said he was delighted with the amount of money raised and added that donations are still coming in. He plans to use the money to help purchase much-needed specialised equipment for those with spinal injuries.

He added: “One piece of equipment we hope to buy is a Motomed, which is an exercise bike that can be used by people like me who don’t have the use of their legs.”

Peter told the Times that the charity skydive was such a success that he intends to hold a second event this summer.

“A lot of people have been saying to me that they would have loved to have taken part in this event, so this will be another chance for those who missed it the first time around. Some of those who took part have also said they want to do again, which is great,” he added.

Anyone interested in signing up for the upcoming event should contact the charity’s office on 028 2858 3867 or 078667 20804.