Parachute jump is thrill of a lifetime (From Stroud News and Journal)

Parachute jump is thrill of a lifetime

THERE must be easier ways to have fun than falling through two miles of sky but for Austrian student Wolfram Niedermayer it was the thrill of a lifetime.

Wolfram, 17, jumped from a plane at 10,000 feet to raise money for Stroud-based Christian youth project The Door on Sunday, June 23.

"It was great," said Wolfram. "I wasn't scared except when they opened the door of the plane and I thought 'what am I doing, this is a bit crazy'."

The tiny plane wound its way in and out of the clouds at what Wolfram described as a worryingly-slow speed.

"I was quite surprised we didn't have to fly faster to stay in the air," he said.

Strapped to an experienced instructor, daredevil Wolfram experienced 30 seconds of freefall before the parachute was opened and he had around five minutes to take in the spectacular view below him before returning to earth.

"I could see for miles," he said. "I could see the River Severn."

Wolfram's charity jump brought in £340 and he said it was easy enough to raise the money because people had been so supportive.

Though Wolfram said the parachute jump was an amazing experience it is not one he is in a hurry to repeat.

"I would certainly recommend it but I won't be doing it again," he said.

"I've done it now and it's something I can tick off on my list of things you have to do in a lifetime."

Anyone who would like to find out more about skydiving for The Door should call Brendan Conboy on 01453 756745.