An amazing day spent in the clouds being close to Tilda #MMSkydive

Signing our lives away (filling out medical forms and filming requests) was the first thing, then a briefing on what we needed to need was the first port of call.

Silence filled the room as we listened to instructions on how to get ready for the plane, how to exit from the plane, where to place our legs, bodies and arms and then instructions on how to land.

At this point it all really seemed surreal – like it wasn’t really happening, and there was always a possibility that that would be the case – the weather forecast wasn’t great and the centre knew jumps could be cancelled at any point.

The wait was just the worst.

The longer we waited the more we were getting uptight and worried – I’m sure this applied to all of us.

We did what we all do best and took to social media to update Twitter, Instagram and Facebook – we were so pleased to see #MMSkydive Trending on Twitter by 11am – THANK YOU to everyone who tweeted and re-tweeted and kept our spirits high, it really did help and put a smile on our faces.

FINALLY, at around 11.30 am, the first 3 team members were called: Kip, Hayley & Claire.

They were suited up and went through a final training session, and then it was time for them to take to the skies.

I must say emotions were extremely high for us all – it was as emotional to watch them get ready and onto the plane as I think it was for them.

Waiting to spot them coming down seemed to take forever.

It takes 20 minutes for the plane to climb to 13,000 feet, and it does feel longer.

After forever we spotted them descending.

The looks on their faces were amazing as they landed.

They loved it!

Finally, about an hour later, it was my time.  I went up with Lucy, Sarah and Julie.

We were suited up and went through our final briefing.

I was so pleased that Paul and the kids had arrived in time to see me go up – We had decided that they would stay at the hotel until I had an idea of a  time I maybe jumping so the kids didn’t get bored, they arrived as I was getting changed so perfect timing.

The flight up was quiet and I tried to pretend I was find – I was actually terrified!

I didn’t like the freefall at all – it was raining and it really hurt – it jarred the whole experience of that first part and I was unable to catch my breath – I literally couldn’t breathe until my parachute opened.

I then LOVED it.  It did mean that as much as I tried I couldn’t wave at the camera in freefall as planned – I was too scared and panicked sadly (you’ll see what I mean when I share the video with you later on).

It was the most amazing experience EVER, though, and I did love it!

I was able to take hold of the parachute, and we spun and looped down to the ground; I was allowed to choose how often and when to spin.

Gliding down to earth was so peaceful and quiet.

Tilda was there and looking after us all – she ensured we were all able to make our jumps and guarded over us.

Ours were the last jumps of the day I believe as it started raining too much to continue.

We all jumped.

All 7 of us did so to raise money for The Lullaby Trust in memory of a very special little girl #MatildaMae, who touched us all.

Yesterday was 18 months to the day that heaven gained an angel and the sky a new star – this beautiful 9 month old girl was taken far too soon and we will NEVER EVER forget her

This was for you Matilda Mae – we all love you.

It’s not too late to sponsor any of our Team so please do https://www.justgiving.com/teams/MatildaMaeSkydive2014

Thanks to everyone who supported us yesterday, including our amazing ground crew, who kept our spirits up, kept us fed and watered if we wanted and took loads of photographs.

If you would like to see my Official in-air photo, they are all here, and my skydive video can be watched here.

I was so pleased to be jumping with so many other awesome ladies – and of course Kip.  Some had jumped before and for other’s it was a first time.