Michael's ready to jump at 78 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Michael's ready to jump at 78

Michael Hillier, 78, who is doing a parachute jump for charity Pic ref: 78785-21A PENSIONER who refuses to let age get in the way of his fun is doing a parachute jump at the age of 78 to raise money for charity.

Rotarian Michael Hillier, of Broome Manor, who is director of Hillier Funeral Service in Victoria Road, Swindon, says he still feels as fit as a fiddle and has no worries about the jump on August 21.

He will be jumping in tandem with a qualified instructor to raise money for the Rotary Club of Swindon's appeal to build a creche in the South African town of Swellendam.

Mr Hillier said his job wasn't very exciting so he indulges his adventurous side in his spare time.

Michael said: "I am not going to let age get in the way of what I want to do.

"Despite the fact that I'm 78 I'm still pretty fit.

"I had to be examined by a doctor before I could be approved to do the jump he was in his 50s and he said he thought I was healthier than him.

"I think doing the parachute jump will be really thrilling though I might feel differently when I'm looking down from the plane."

Michael, who has three children and six grandchildren, admits that he and his wife Ruth, 74, are born daredevils who like to indulge in adrenalin-fuelled activities whenever possible.

And he thinks it's something to do with him working in the funeral business.

"In my job you don't get a lot of excitement so when I have time off I like to do adventurous things.

"It's also a job where you don't get to do a lot of exercise.

"My wife and I go on lots of active holidays.

"Three or four years ago I abseiled down a 250ft cliff in gale force winds in South Africa during my holiday.

"Five years ago my wife and I jumped off a cliff in Switzerland with parachutes.

"We just saw some other people doing it and wanted to have a go.

"We've also trekked part of the way up Mount Everest and eight years ago I cycled around Wiltshire in two days."

Michael, who has now retired but still helps out at the family business, will be doing his parachute jump at the Redland Farm airfield in Wanborough at 6pm watched by his family and fellow Rotarians. There will also be a free pig roast at the event.

He volunteered for the challenge after it was suggested at a committee meeting.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Michael can do so by turning up on the day or sending donations to The Rotary Club of Swindon, c/o treasurer Mark Suddaby, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3BE.

Diana Milne