Man faces fear of heights in skydive for The Salvation Army

A man with a fear of heights is set to take on the challenge of a lifetime by skydiving at 13,000 feet over Scotland in support of a drop-in for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed run by The Salvation Army in Norwich.

At 49 and with a lifelong fear of heights, Ralph Hansby-Moore admits the prospect of jumping from a plane is terrifying but says the cause behind the challenge makes it impossible to walk away. Ralph, a senior financial crime manager at Aviva, was invited to take part in a charity event in Scotland by his team and a couple of weeks after he agreed, they dropped the bombshell.

He said: “I’ve never been good with heights. Even standing on a step stool or looking over a balcony gives me that awful wobbly-leg feeling. So the idea of skydiving is honestly an 11 out of 10 on the fear scale. My immediate reaction was sheer panic. I felt sick. My first thought was ‘Nope. Absolutely Not.’ But then I reminded myself that I am a leader. I wanted to show courage and stand alongside my team even though I still feel sick every time I think about.” 

Ralph is fundraising for The Salvation Army’s Pottergate ARC in Norwich. The service provides not only practical assistance but also dignity, compassion, and a sense of belonging for people with nowhere else to turn. The cause is deeply personal as Ralph’s husband Steven and another close friend both work there.

He said: “I hear every day how important their work is. Knowing the difference ARC makes is what stops me from backing out, even when I’m terrified. Supporting ARC means supporting people in my community who deserve to feel safe, cared and human.”

While there are many ways to raise money,  Ralph said he was determined to go through with the skydive because how challenging it is. 

Ralph explained: “If I’m asking people to donate, I want them to see that I’m truly putting myself out there – quite literally. Choosing something that genuinely terrifies me reflects how important this cause is.”

Despite his fear of heights, he has unknowingly faced it before as a keen walker, hiking across the Peak District and Lake District. However he says nothing compares to the scale of this challenge. 

Despite his fear of heights, he has unknowingly faced it before as a keen walker, hiking across the Peak District and Lake District. However he says nothing compares to the scale of this challenge. 

He added: “This is my biggest test yet. Mentally, I’m focusing on the ‘why’ – the people ARC helps. That’s what gives me strength.”

The sky dive is due to take place on Monday 30 March in Glenrothes, Scotland. To donate, click here

Ralph is a senior financial crime manager for Aviva who are matching every pound he donates until he raises £1,000.