Not content with the adrenlin rush of the hunting field, 8 daredevils from the Monmouthshire Hunt decided to skydive to raise money for charity.
Huntsman Matthew Hickmott and subscriber Dave Thomas came up with the novel fundraising idea last April after bad weather forced the cancellation of the Monmouthshire Hunt point-to-point.
Day job: Matthew Hickmott was previously nicknamed “Mr safe”
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The team soon expanded to include Andrew Harris, Llewellyn Harrison, Lucy Morgan, Olly Hopkinson, Alan Williams and British Para Dressage team vet, Rod Fisher — all hunt supporters and subscribers.
Flying high: the Monmouthshire Hunt skydiving team
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The sky dive was originally set for 28 June, but had to be postponed due to bad weather.
The 15,000ft dive was moved to 19 July when fortunately the weather allowed them to complete the jump.
Top gun: Matthew Hickmott prepares for the jump
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Each team member spent 6min in decent – 1min of free fall followed by 5min under a parachute canopy.
Dream team: Lucy Morgan, Andrew Harris and Alan Williams before the dive
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
All together, the team raised nearly £5000, and a contribution was given to the Society for the Welfare of Horses & Ponies at St Maughans, run by Jenny Macgregor.
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.
