Dani’s skydive for Aerobility – and how you can get involved too.

Last summer saw a no. of our volunteers and supporters doing amazing things to raise funds for our charity.

This is Dani Bedding’s story, we hope you’ll feel inspired after reading and perhaps look to take on your own fundraising challenge!

Dani Bedding, who works in IT and is a keen aviation fan, first learned about Aerobility after going to the Aviators’ Ball with her best friend in 2018.  

Less than a year later, she completed a sponsored skydive to raise funds for Aerobility from 10,000 ft – we caught up with her afterwards. 

Why did you choose Aerobility? 

“Aerobility’s work really struck a chord with me as I used to work with adults with learning disabilities. I saw how incredible their personalities and capabilities were beyond first glance.  

Aerobility helps people fulfil their dreams and reach for the sky (quite literally!) and I wanted to do something to help.” 

Why skydiving? 

“I considered running a marathon or climbing a mountain, but I have some health issues and I wanted something I knew I would achieve. Skydiving seemed perfect, not actually too physically demanding but also a real challenge to overcome my anxiety and fear.” 

What was the most exciting thing about the challenge? 

“Definitely the plane ride up! Most people are jumping for the first time as well – the camaraderie that creates is indescribable. It almost puts you at ease. 

When you leave the plane, gravity just takes you. You look down and all you can see is ground: it’s a moment of genuine terror. Thankfully it passed very quickly and allowed me to enjoy the ride down!”

What was the best thing about the challenge? 

“I completed it on my 30th birthday with my family watching me. It was lovely to come back down and greet them, especially when my three year old kept telling me how I fell out of the sky (as if I'd forgotten already!)”

What does Aerobility mean to you? 

“Aerobility is an amazing cause because it gives people with disabilities the chance to experience something many think is impossible.  

Aerobility adapts the activity to the people flying. It's incredible to see the way they fit the world to them rather than making them fit into the world.  

Making the world accessible to everyone should be the goal for everyone, and Aerobility is a wonderful step in the right direction.”

Would you encourage other people to get involved? 

“One hundred percent! Fundraising doesn't have to be something as huge as skydiving! There are so many things you can do, from a bake sale to a sponsored silence. 

It’s a great way to overcome a fear or reach a personal goal. You know people are behind you, and it makes the jump (in my case, literally!) that much easier. I'm already planning my next fundraiser. 

Thank you to everyone at Aerobility for being so supportive and welcoming. You're amazing people doing an amazing job.”