Builder’s extreme challenge for charity

A Rugby builder will jump from a plane, scale the UK’s highest mountains, and co-pilot a Spitfire in just one week to raise money.

Dave Gooden will take on the challenges at the end of May to raise money for Rainbows and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

He will start the adrenaline packed week with a 13,000ft tandem skydive with the world-famous Red Devils’ team in Neverathon, Wiltshire.

Then in a 24-hour period, Dave, and a support team, will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon.

For his final day and challenge, Dave will co-pilot the Spitfire, from Biggin Hill to, and over, the White Cliffs of Dover.

Dave said he can’t wait for his challenges. “I always had things I wanted to do and then my dad, Sydney, died of cancer in 2022,” he said. “It was a horrible thing to see, and it gave me the wake up call I needed to get some order in my life. There are so many things I want to do, and I know I don’t have forever, so I started to come up with a list.

“However, it felt selfish to do it all for myself, so I decided that I would fundraise. I went to see Rainbows and I saw what the families, babies, children and young people go through, and it blew my mind. I also wanted to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust as their work is so important too.

“I want to involve the children and young people in what I am doing. So, I will be taking pictures drawn by some of the children from Rainbows, and showing them to people on each challenge. I will get them all signed, and they will feature on a film, that my brother, Lindley, is making about the challenge. I hope this will make them feel directly involved in these once in a lifetime adventures.”

It isn’t the first time Dave has supported our charity. Last year he donated £2,000 for an open ticket to Twycross Zoo, which meant our families could enjoy a day out.

Kerry Laurie, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, said: “What Dave is doing is absolutely incredible and we cannot thank him enough for his support. Without our fundraisers, we wouldn’t be able to provide care and support to over 750 babies, children and young people with serious and terminal illnesses. We hope Dave enjoys his challenge and we can’t wait to see the film.”

To sponsor Dave, visit givewheel.com/fundraising/2394/liife7day-fundraiser/#totalpie