13th Apr 2025

Father and son-in-law duo, Dave and Chris, took on the ultimate adrenaline challenge — skydiving from 15,000 feet to raise funds for It’s in the Bag. Find out how they overcame their fears and why they’d recommend it to anyone!

Take the Leap: Follow in Dave & Chris’ Footsteps with a Skydive for It’s in the Bag

Are you looking for the ultimate adrenaline challenge this year? Fancy ticking something incredible off your bucket list — all while raising vital funds to support men affected by testicular cancer?

Look no further than our Big Birthday Skydive this September — and take inspiration from father and son-in-law duo, Dave and Chris, who took to the skies for It’s in the Bag last year, conquering their fears and raising an amazing £1,180 between them.

Here are their stories…

When Dave was DJ’ing at the Wessex Truck Gathering in 2024, he had no idea he was about to embark on a life-changing challenge. Paul, from The Wessex Truck Show—an event that proudly supported It’s in the Bag in late summer 2024—nominated Dave and his friends to take on a charity skydive for IITB. With his 50th birthday approaching in 2025, Dave saw it as the perfect way to kick off a series of personal challenges—and finally tick a skydive off his bucket list.

Despite never having done anything like this before—having only ever flown twice, and never in a small plane—Dave said yes. As the jump day drew closer, nerves crept in, but he was determined to go through with it. And not only did he take the leap, but he also smashed his fundraising target, raising an incredible £830 for It’s in the Bag!

There were many moments when Dave questioned himself, wondering, What am I doing? But knowing that his son-in-law, Chris, had also signed up gave him an extra boost of confidence. On the day of the jump, the energy in the briefing room was a mix of nerves, camaraderie, and excitement. The support from fellow jumpers and the fantastic event staff made all the difference.

As the last person to jump, Dave sat on the edge of the plane, heart racing, surrounded by clouds. And then—he did it! The freefall was an adrenaline rush like nothing he had ever experienced. When the parachute opened, the thrill gave way to a feeling of calm, peace, and pure awe at the breathtaking views below.

The landing was smooth, and as his feet touched the ground, he was greeted by his waiting family. Overwhelmed with pride, Dave still can’t quite believe he did it—but the photos prove he did!

When asked what advice he’d give to others who might be nervous about taking on a challenge like this, he said:

“Don’t look back, don’t doubt yourself. Overcome your fears and follow your dreams—you won’t regret it.”

Dave’s motivation runs deep—cancer has affected his family, with his sister facing a terminal bowel cancer diagnosis. Supporting cancer charities is something he feels passionately about, and he already has plans to take on more fundraising challenges for other local organisations.

Chris took on the challenge of a lifetime, raising an impressive £350 for It’s in the Bag by skydiving from 15,000 feet.

We caught up with Chris to hear about his experience, what it felt like to take the plunge, and what he would say to anyone considering a skydive themselves.

A Bucket List Dream Come True

Having already completed bungee jumps in the past, skydiving was always on Chris’ bucket list. So when his father-in-law, Dave, asked him to join him in skydiving for IITB, he didn’t hesitate. Not only was he about to achieve a lifelong ambition, but he also had the added bonus of doing it alongside family.

The Big Day

On the day of the jump, Chris remained surprisingly calm, gathering his thoughts as he prepared for the challenge ahead. But as the plane climbed higher, he did have a fleeting moment of “What have I done?” However, any fear quickly subsided thanks to the reassuring staff at Skydive Buzz and the comfort of having Dave by his side.

The Ultimate Thrill

Chris described the experience as unlike anything else. Apart from the initial adrenaline rush when he first jumped, he said it didn’t feel like falling but rather floating. He enjoyed the breathtaking views and the smooth descent to the ground, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Words of Encouragement

For anyone feeling nervous about taking on a skydive, Chris had this advice:

“You are completely safe and taken care of by a group of professionals who skydive multiple times a day. Skydiving is a feeling like no other, and it’s worth it. If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, this is the one for you. My good friends have been affected by cancer, so it was an honour to skydive for IITB and raise money too. It was the highlight of my year!”

Inspired to Take the Leap?

Feeling inspired by Dave and Chris’ incredible stories? Why not follow in their footsteps (or freefall!) and sign up for our Big Birthday Skydive this September.

Whether it’s a long-held dream, a personal challenge, or a chance to raise funds for a cause close to your heart — we’ll be with you every step (and jump!) of the way.

→ Find out more and sign up today: https://itsinthebag.org.uk/events/

Got a Question? Drop us an email at Kirsty.owen-hayward@itsinthebag.org.uk—we’d love to hear from you!

#TeamIITB — are you ready to take the plunge?