Two British residents decided to have an alternative Christmas day by participating in their first tandem parachute jump, raising thousands of euros for Algarve and British charities.
Following their festive challenge at the Alvor aerodrome, Kate Brown, 61, and Jean Metcalfe, 58, were christened the “Flying Grannies” by their friends at the Oasis Parque, Portimão.
David Brown, Kate’s husband, told the Algarve Resident: “After they landed there was a great cheer from about 20 of their friends who were at the Alvor Aerodrome to support them.”
He added: “Afterwards, we all had a mulled wine and mince pie reception at home to celebrate their achievement.”
Following the event, more than 60 people attended a fundraising dinner at the restaurant at Oasis Parque on January 2.
In total, Jean Metcalfe raised around 1,500 euros for the Alvor-based children’s home, Lar Bom Samaritano, which will go towards a new minibus to transport the children.
Kate Brown raised more than 2,000 pounds via the Just Giving website for the Meningitis UK charity.
“Kate chose this charity because we lost our grandson Jake to meningitis three years ago when he was just six months old,” said David Brown. “This year we are planning to organise a slimathon to raise money for charity as well as having a calendar made for 2010.”
The calendar will be in the style of the Women’s Institute calendar that inspired the film Calendar Girls.
If you would like to donate to Kate’s chosen charity, please visit www.justgiving.com/davidvbrown
