Lessons from a Tandem Skydive for Lupus UK

When I first told friends I was planning a tandem skydive for Lupus UK, their reactions spanned from delight to “you must be mad!” But by the time I touched down, I realised it was one of the boldest, most meaningful decisions I’ve ever made. In this post, I’ll walk you through why I chose to do a tandem skydive for Lupus UK, how I prepared (mentally, physically, logistically), what the experience felt like in the air, and what I learned along the way. My hope is that my story inspires others living with chronic illness, especially Black women, to push boundaries—safely and intentionally.

Why I Chose to Do a Tandem Skydive for Lupus UK

Raising Awareness & Funds

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that still carries so much stigma, misunderstanding, and invisibility. I wanted to do something bold—something that would draw attention and spark conversation. Choosing a tandem skydive for Lupus UK as my fundraiser was intentional: it’s dramatic, visual, and gives people a reason to pause, ask questions, and learn.
Partnering with Lupus UK meant any funds raised (via sponsorships or donations) would support their research, patient support services, and education programs. I set a modest fundraising goal at first—and everyone who contributed became part of my “skydiving team.”

Proving What’s Possible (Even with Chronic Illness)

When you live with a condition like Lupus or any autoimmune disease, there are always “limits” people assume about what you can’t do. I wanted to challenge that narrative—for myself, and for others. Doing a tandem skydive for Lupus UK was symbolic: yes, I have symptoms, flares, fatigue—but I wanted to show that living with a chronic illness doesn’t mean giving up on big dreams.

Creating a Memorable, Empowering Story

Any campaign needs a hook. My “hook” was this: a woman with Lupus leaping out of a plane. It’s frightening, visceral, and emotional. People connected with that image. It gave me something to document and share—photos, videos, reflections—rather than just asking for donations.

Before the Jump: Planning, Preparation, and Overcoming Fear

When picking a skydiving centre, I prioritized:

• Safety record and accreditations
• Experience with first-time jumpers
• Willingness to accommodate any mobility or medical needs
• Proximity to my location and transport options
• Option to bring a support crew or photographer

I reached out to a few UK drop zones, asked about health questionnaires, liability forms, altitude, and weather variability. I picked one that felt professional, communicative, and transparent.

Medical Clearance & Safety Considerations

Because I have Lupus, I couldn’t just sign up blindly. I consulted my rheumatologist and asked key questions:

1. Is there any increased risk because of joint pain, fatigue, or previous complications (e.g. kidney involvement, clotting issues)?
2. Should I avoid this if I’m in a flare?
3. Could medications (e.g. steroids, immunosuppressants) have any impact on me doing this?
4. Are there posture or mobility constraints (in the harness, exit position, landing)?

Once cleared, I completed all the paperwork requested by the skydiving centre (medical forms, liability waivers, consent forms). The skydiving instructors also asked about any relevant conditions, mobility restrictions, or medications.

Training, Visualization & Mental Prep

Jumping from thousands of feet can be terrifying. To prepare mentally and physically, I:

• Read blogs and testimonials from others who’ve done a tandem jump
• Watched videos of tandem skydives (so the process was less mysterious)
• Worked on breathing and calming techniques—box breathing, mindfulness
• Did light stretching and core work to help with posture in free-fall and landing
• Visualized the whole experience from gearing up, boarding, freeing out, canopy ride, to landing

I also engaged supporters: I posted progress updates, shared my fears publicly, and accepted encouragement. That accountability helped when nerves began to creep in.

Logistics & What to Bring

Here’s my checklist for the day:

• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes (avoid loose items)
• Trainers or flat shoes
• Layers (it gets colder at altitude)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Proof of booking, ID
• Any documentation I needed to bring (medical clearance, waiver)
• Snacks, water, maybe a small first-aid kit or extra medicines
• A supportive friend or two to come along

I also built a rough rain-day alternative plan (skydiving is weather-dependent), and set a backup date in case of cancellation.

The Day of the Jump: Emotions, Expectations, Realities

Arrival & Orientation

In the morning, arriving at the drop zone, I felt a mix of excitement and dread. The staff were welcoming, running through safety briefings, fitting me with harnesses, and walking me through every step. My instructor (who’d also be strapped to me) talked me through the exit, free-fall, and landing posture, so I felt less in the dark.

Gear Up & Boarding the Plane

Strapped into my harness (with instructor), I felt oddly grounded even as adrenaline rushed. Boarding the plane, climbing in altitude, feeling the air thin, I reminded myself to focus on my breathing. The instructor asked me to perform arch drills (on the ground), conduct posture checks, and demonstrate how to brace for landing.

The Exit & Freefall

When we reached jump altitude, the door slid open. In a moment, we were at the edge. Heart in throat, rush of air, then—jump. The freefall was shorter than you think, a wild blend of rush, fear, exhilaration, and serenity. You feel the wind in your face, your body fluttering slightly until the parachute opens.

Canopy Ride & Landing

Once the chute opened, the world seemed to slow. You glide, noticing the landscape, feeling yourself descend deliberately. The instructor guided controls; I just relaxed, breathed, and observed. The landing is surprisingly gentle (if you position correctly), and I felt an overwhelming sense of triumph when my feet touched the ground.

What I Learned: 7 Big Takeaways

1. Courage is not the absence of fear—but action despite it

I was terrified. But standing at that door and choosing to jump was pure empowerment. The tandem skydive for Lupus UK reminded me that sometimes you leap even when your knees tremble.

2. Your body is more substantial than you give it credit for

Even though Lupus can make me cautious, my body (with all its “limitations”) handled the pressure, the G-forces, the landing. That was a gift to myself.

3. Vulnerability invites connection

When I shared my journey publicly—through posts, tears, and voice notes—friends, followers, and even strangers reached out. They shared their own stories of struggle and courage. The jump became a communal ritual, not just a stunt.

4. Preparation matters

From mental rehearsal to medical clearance and logistics, every aspect of preparation made the experience smoother. Had I skipped those steps, doubts and chaos could’ve sabotaged the day.

5. You can tell a powerful story

This isn’t just about adrenaline. It’s about a woman with Lupus choosing radical visibility, audacity, and hope. That story resonates—and that resonance is the fuel for fundraising.

6. Recovery & rest still matter

After landing, my muscles were sore, adrenaline crashed, and fatigue set in. I honoured that: rest, hydration, soothing baths, gentle movement. It reminded me that a bold move doesn’t override the need for care.

How You Can Do a Tandem Skydive for Lupus (or Any Cause) Too

If you feel inspired and want to replicate this (or adapt it), here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Choose a cause you’re passionate about (e.g. Lupus research, mental health, women’s empowerment).
• Pick a skydiving centre with a solid safety reputation.
• Get medical clearance—talk to your doctor and disclose any relevant medical conditions.
• Set a fundraising goal and create a campaign page.
• Document the journey—preps, training, fears, small wins.
• Engage your network—family, community, social media—share progress.
• Stay flexible—weather, cancellations, delays are real.
• Rest and recuperate meaningfully afterwards.
• Share lessons & follow up—post-jump reflections, photos, thank you's.

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