Birthplace:
Liverpool
Current Home DZ:
Black Knights / Hibaldstow
Jump Numbers:
271
Cutaways:
0
Team:
Fall Fast Finish Last
Sponsors:
No sponsorships (yet 😉).
Container:
Javelin Odyssey
Main Canopy:
Pilot 188
Reserve Canopy:
PD160
AAD:
Vigil
1. Where, when and why did you make your very first jump?
My first jump was at Black Knights in Cockerham back in July 2022. There was no main reason why I wanted to start my skydiving journey. I wish I had a story that said “I was scared and wanted to overcome my fears” but, in reality, I think when most people start their AFF journey, they’re mildly depressed, borderline ADHD, thrill-seeking rebels that have to hurl themselves out of a plane in attempt to feel ‘normal’. I myself, at least, fit that description.
2. What are your three favourite things to do when you’re not jumping?
Spending time with my two kids (called Maggie and Pearl, and they are the most loving Pomeranians you’d ever meet) and my beautiful (and verrry patient ) girlfriend, Sarah. ❤️
I also love working! I have my own business, so I actually enjoy my job. Even so, I spend a lot of time thinking of ways I can retire early to spend more time travelling with the three girls in my life—and, of course, jumping.
3. What philosophy guides your life in general? If different, what philosophy guides your life in skydiving?
I firmly believe that you only get one shot at this life. (Warning: there’s a cheesy philosophical rant/trauma dump coming up.)
After running my own business for the last 10 years, I would have said it’s about constantly thriving/making the most money/being the most successful/climbing the ladder... but, as I learned last year, it’s really not. It was last year that I lost my mum. She was my best friend, my world, my rock, my everything. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. To cope with it, I decided to prioritise living every single day by doing whatever I want that makes ME the happiest. I laugh most things off rather than choose to stress about it. I remove myself from situations that demand too much of my time. Basically, I completely avoid doing anything I don’t really want to do. If I’m ever unhappy or stressed, I drop everything and go jumping with my friends, and I believe this is the best way for me to live.
4. What items on your “skydiving CV” are you proudest of?
Last year, my team—”Fall Fast Finish Last”—got together about eight weeks before Nationals, as a scratch team. We had a bit of last-minute coaching, but at the standard we were at, not even a skygod could have helped us. We did indeed finish last. After our abysmal performance in 2023, we wanted to come back with a BANG: so we set out on a mission to take the gold at Nationals 2024.
There were many stressful ups and downs, as there are with most teams. We gained and lost team members like crazy, complicating the situation quite a bit. We had our final team lineup for around 4 months, during which we managed to do a five-hour tunnel camp and a couple of dozen jumps together. Meanwhile, I myself had to unexpectedly have surgery to remove my thyroid, which meant I couldn’t jump for six weeks. Even after all that, one of our team members had to drop out nine weeks before Nationals and we had to find someone else to step in. (Luckily, he was just as dedicated as the rest of us!)
Incredibly, the story has a very happy ending: all of our dreams came true! We got the GOLD—and, whilst we were there, we broke two skydiving records: Highest scoring round in rookie category (with 25 points) and highest average in rookie category (14.8). The bang we wanted most definitely banged. This is my most proudest skydiving achievement: when the blood, sweat and tears (many tears) went into getting a team to Nationals and winning it.
5. Who have been your mentors in the sport, and what was the most important lesson each of them taught you?
I have met many amazing skydivers and mentors in the last two years, but two come especially to mind.
If it wasn’t for Mick Doherty, our team’s coach, we probably wouldn’t have gotten to Nationals at all, let alone won. I did my very first FS coaching with him. If it wasn’t for him, I probably would have gone down the FF route. Mick has a military background, which quickly becomes obvious: for him, teammates are absolutely everything. He pushes us to be the best. He is patient, but he is also very quick to knock us back down a level if we’re getting a little too cocky. His many accomplishments in the sport are a massive inspiration, all earned whilst navigating many personal challenges.
Matt Oldham, my skydiving bestie, is the only team member of the original team (aside from me) who stayed. We have a very similar ‘philosophy’—in terms of always being happy—and I think that’s why we get on so well. We don’t ever have bad words with each other - which I think is rare when you’re in a team for so long. He simply has the best energy, and I’m so grateful that he always has my back.
Love you Micky D and Matt ❤️ (also Tom Fagan and Pete Rithisith, my other two awesome teammates, who would probably quit if I didn’t acknowledge their names) 😂🫶🏼)
6. What would you like every new skydiver to know?
Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe sh*t. (It’s a zen koan.)
7. What about the sport would you most like to change, and why?
I’d wish for more DZ’s and better weather. I’d wish that belly flyers were considered the coolest people on the plane. And I’d wish that people wouldn’t laugh when they find out I’m nearly 300 jumps in and still don’t pack for myself!
8. What has been your most challenging moment in the sport, and why?
Learning how to time my flare properly in every weather condition—and actually finish my flare! I’ve been heavily bruised—dislocated my knee—sprained my ankle—tore my MCL. 2023 was definitely not a year for the canopy rides, but after all those hard lessons, I think I’m finally ready to downsize. Probably.
9. What’s the next challenge you’ve set for yourself?
Take gold at the 2024 Indoor Nationals. Rank up to the Single-A category and win gold at the 2025 Nationals. Participate in more competitive Big-Way events. And break more records, not more bones
10. What does it mean to you to be a British skydiver?
Honestly, I think I’m the coolest person in any room here (who aren’t skydivers, of course…we are all the coolest person in the room in a room full of each other). And not because I’m an adrenaline junkie, blah, blah, blah, but because I’m someone that can plummet to my death, not die and have an absolute blast doing it.
I don’t let worry, fear and anxiety interfere when I’m jumping, and I think when you’re a skydiver, you don’t let worry, fear and anxiety affect you in normal, day-to-day life.
Which ultimately, makes you one elite SOB.
