Craig Evans, ICT & Financial Controller at UK Asbestos Training Association Ltd (UKATA), is to jump from an aeroplane at over 10,000 feet to raise money for local charity The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team. In attempt to raise awareness of asbestos related disease and safety, which fits perfectly with Craig’s role at UKATA, the death defying stunt will take place on Saturday 6 October at the Nottingham Airfield.
Growing up in the Derbyshire area, Craig, 24, from Chesterfield, has attempted similar daredevil dives in the past and is looking forward to the event. “A lot of people think I am crazy for jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet, particularly my friends and family, but this is for an extremely worthy cause,” said Craig. “I want to raise the awareness of asbestos and also raise awareness of The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) charity and the great work they do.”
The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team is a charity which helps and supports anyone diagnosed with an asbestos related disease. The majority of people they help and support have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma (cancer caused by exposure to asbestos). Their unique support service includes help with benefits uptake, Government Compensation Schemes and advice about making a civil compensation claim. They also act as a support group by arranging meetings, conferences, and distributing regular members’ newsletters. They also have resources to help those diagnosed with respiratory diseases to manage their condition and live the fullest lives possible.
“DAST also raises awareness about the dangers of exposure to asbestos. In February this year they organised for 125 names of people who had died of Mesothelioma in East Midlands to be remembered in an illuminated memorial on the side of the iconic Derby Cathedral. As well as being a poignant tribute to people who had died of Mesothelioma, it sent an important and still highly relevant message about the dangers of exposure to asbestos.”
“What Craig is doing is causing a real buzz around the place,” said Terry Barker, UKATA Technical and Operations Manager. “The Olympics can’t even claim the credit for this one, as Craig committed to it well before David Beckham set foot in a power boat! The serious bit is that Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team does a lot of great work in the area and endeavours to inform the public about the dangers of asbestos, and that is a powerful and common denominator between DAST and UKATA. They have helped people in the local community to come to terms and learn to cope with the devastating effects of Mesothelioma, and we wholeheartedly support them in their efforts”
“My colleagues at UKATA, friends and family are very supportive and will hopefully be there on the day to cheer me on,” continued Craig. “Having said that, my work colleagues are worried I may not make it back in one piece! Advice from friends has been to have fun… and take out proper insurance!”
Support Craig in his efforts at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigEvansTandemSkydive. Any donations are welcome and will receive Gift Aid where the donor is eligible.
ENDS
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Jon Gardner
BeyondPR
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Ref: UKATA0013 – Craig Skydive
Published on Monday 17th September 2012