23-05-2025
Wellington man, 86, to skydive from 15,000 feet for Alzheimer's Society
An 86-year-old man is set to skydive from 15,000 feet to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.
Wellington resident Brian Standring, who lives at Ivy House, the Abbeyfield-run independent living scheme on Corams Lane, will take part in his fourth skydive on Saturday, May 24, during Dementia Action Week.
Mr Standring, who is also an avid Nordic walker and participant in Taunton's weekly parkrun, describes the experience of jumping out of a plane as "magic."
He said: "It's breathtaking, quite outstanding to see the world from up there.
"It's great fun."
However, skydiving is not just about the thrill for him; it is an opportunity to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
Having cared for a friend and lost other friends to dementia, Mr Standring understands the impact the disease has on sufferers and their families.
His friend's diagnosis led him to become a Dementia Friend in 2014, a programme run by the Alzheimer's Society.
He said: "Ever since, I've been passionate about trying to do something, whatever it might be, to help people with dementia."
In addition to his efforts with the Alzheimer's Society, Mr Standring also helps out at his local church and organises fundraisers at Ivy House.
Through his upcoming skydive, he aims to raise £2,000 for the Alzheimer's Society.
If you would like to donate to his cause, visit his fundraising page at
Alternatively, you can search for his name on the Just Giving homepage and click on the 'Why I am jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft at 15,000 ft?' heading.
On the funds raised, Mr Standring said: "It doesn't really matter to me what it's spent on in specific terms.
"As long as it ultimately helps someone with dementia, or their carer, or their family, that's why I do it."
