Students in Nottingham take the leap to transform lives in SA skydive
published on 8 May 2026
A group of brave students from the University of Nottingham took fundraising to new heights, raising an incredible £6,513.06 for The Salvation Army through a thrilling skydive challenge supporting communities across Nottingham
In what has become an annual event, the journey to this latest edition began during the Freshers’ Week in September 2025, when The Salvation Army Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls hosted a vibrant promotional stall, inviting students to enter a competition to become one of the ten skydivers for 2026. Those selected embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, dedication, and shared passion to make a difference.
Nine participants completed their tandem skydives at Langar Airfield on Saturday 25 April 2026, with the final participant taking to the skies the following day. Together, their courage and commitment have helped raise vital funds that will directly support two Salvation Army churches/centres in Nottingham, namely, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls and Nottingham Aspley.
The money raised will help fund essential services including hot meals for people experiencing homelessness, food bank cafes and warm spaces for those affected by the rising cost of living, mentoring support for survivors of modern slavery, and programmes for families, children and students. The centres also provide friendship groups for older people and ensure children living in poverty can experience the joy of Christmas through the Christmas Toy Appeal.
We are incredibly proud of every student who took part in this challenge. Their courage, generosity and willingness to ‘leap off’ their comfort zones is truly inspiring. Every pound raised will make a real and lasting difference to people in our city who need support the most, and this is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when community and compassion come together.
For many of the students, the experience was more than just fundraising. Felicity Bram a student of Engineering and Physical Sciences described it as “an incredible, adrenaline-filled experience… exciting and unforgettable,” adding that pushing herself out of her comfort zone while supporting a meaningful cause made it even more rewarding. Gemma Smith a second year History student, called it “challenging but rewarding,” sharing that it fulfilled a lifelong ambition while helping an important cause. Ali Abbas, also a second year Mech Engineering student said it was “probably almost definitely the coolest thing I’ve done in my life so far,” while Sam Gill a first year International Management student reflected on the opportunity to face something daunting while building lasting friendships and supporting The Salvation Army. Scott Frogatt third student of Physics added, “There’s no experience like it… even though I was very anxious before jumping, I was so glad to have done it.”
This remarkable effort highlights not only the bravery of the participants, but also the impact that collective action can have in transforming lives across Nottingham.
For more info on how to participate: use the JustGiving link or, email nottingham.WBMH@salvationarmy.org.uk.
The Salvation Army at William Booth Memorial Halls also runs a weekly programme of community activities, including a Home League Meeting, Wednesday Kitchen (SAFE hot meals programme with takeaway service), weekly brunch for students, and an Over 50s Friendship Club. For more information visit The Salvation Army WBMH or follow on Facebook