CruiseKings’ Karen Stewart takes to the skies for Reuben’s Retreat

CruiseKings’ Karen Stewart has become the latest travel industry professional to skydive in aid of Reuben’s Retreat despite bad weather and a flat tyre almost preventing her from taking the jump again.

 

Stewart, head of cruise product and commercial at the travel agency, was originally due to skydive as part of a travel industry team in June, who raised £24k in total for the charity, but bad weather on the day meant only 12 of the 21-strong group were able to take part.

 

She then travelled down from Ayr in Scotland to Lancaster for another attempt with the remaining group on September 19, only for the jump to be cancelled once again due to high winds and rain.

 

While the other seven turned back due to the cancelled jump, Stewart rebooked for a couple of days later as she had already decided to stay on in the area for a long weekend with husband Paul and their dog Barney.

 

More: Skydive organised by Virgin Voyages raises more than £24k for Reuben’s Retreat

 

On arrival on Monday morning she was told the skydive could not take place because the aircraft had a flat tyre.

 

But, as luck would have it, she was given another chance to jump later in the day – her fourth attempt to take to the skies.

 

“They flew their smaller plane to Oxford to get a replacement tyre and we managed the jump at 4pm,” she said, adding: “It was worth the wait as the experience was incredible. I’m so glad I finally managed the jump for Reuben’s Retreat; it was such an honour to raise money in his memory."

 

She added: “I did take a moment [during the jump] to think about Reuben and what his life has inspired – how his little life has made a big difference to so many.”

 

Virgin Voyages sales director SJ Walker, who organised the fundraising event, said there were now eight other volunteers left from the original team of 21 who had yet to do the skydive, with a new date being organised. 

 

She added: “We’re so proud of Karen and the incredible amount she has raised for Reuben’s Retreat. Now, we can’t wait to cheer on the remaining eight skydives still to come!”

 

Reuben’s Retreat founder Nic Graham said: “I love that despite all the odds Karen was determined to make it. Her drive and tenacity paid off.

 

“I was immediately touched by her message to Reuben too and I took a few moments to think about what she said, and it warmed my heart.

 

“Our journey is what it is because of hearts like SJ’s from Virgin Voyages, Karen from CruiseKings and all their fellow skydivers and promises.”

 

The charity’s Complete The Retreat campaign has more than 400 days to go to reach its target of £1 million in 23 months to finish the retreat’s build.