Mum-of-four faces fear in charity skydive

When Annemarie Cassidy (née McCahey) steps onto a plane this Saturday, she'll be carrying more than just a parachute.

The Shercock native, who has lived in Kilmainhamwood for the past 20 years, will be taking a leap of faith alongside 19 other brave fundraisers as they complete a charity parachute jump for the Nobber Cancer Support Group.

For Annemarie, however, the challenge is about far more than an adrenaline rush.

"I've always loved fundraising and helping out in the community," she said. "Over the years I've organised raffles, table quizzes and all sorts of fundraising events. But this is something completely different."

When she heard about the skydive, she knew immediately it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

"I thought, if I'm ever going to do it, I'd do it for a charity that does incredible work for people in the local area."

As the big day approaches, excitement is mixed with a healthy dose of fear.

"I'm definitely excited, but I'm also terrified," she admitted. "I have a huge fear of heights and I suffer from vertigo, so this is one of the biggest challenges I've ever taken on."

She has no illusions about how she'll feel when the aircraft door opens.

"I know I'll have a pounding heart and shaking hands. I don't even like standing on a balcony or climbing the first rung of a ladder. I've questioned my sanity more than once!"

Fortunately, she's had plenty of support – and plenty of good-natured teasing – from her family.

"My husband, my children and all my family have been amazing. They know how much I hate heights. They keep reminding me about my fear of birds flapping their wings and are joking that I'll have a complete meltdown if birds fly past me. Hopefully I'll be above the birds!"

A mum of four, Annemarie has long been involved in community life, believing that strong communities are built by neighbours helping neighbours.

"Fundraising is in my blood," she said. "I've always been involved in local committees and community events. It's something I'm passionate about."

Her youngest, Caolán, has Down Syndrome, and Annemarie has also dedicated countless hours to fundraising for causes close to her family's heart.

This weekend's jump also carries a deeply personal meaning.

"I'm lucky to be well and healthy enough to do this. So many people have been touched by cancer, including members of my own family, who were supported by their local cancer support group. If I can help in any way, then it's worth facing my fears."

She believes the biggest challenge won't be the freefall itself.

"I think waiting for that plane door to open will be the scariest part. Once I'm out, I think I'll be OK. There's no turning back then!"

Completing the jump will represent a personal victory as much as a fundraising achievement.

"It's not just about jumping out of a plane. It's about proving to myself that I can face something that genuinely frightens me. If I can land safely knowing I didn't let fear stop me, I'll be incredibly proud."

Annemarie is one of 20 participants taking part in the fundraiser. While she only knew one person before signing up, she says the group has quickly bonded.

"There's a great camaraderie between us all. It's fantastic to see so many people willing to step outside their comfort zones for such a great cause."

She also paid tribute to everyone who has helped make the fundraiser possible, including the committee of Nobber Cancer Support Group, those who have donated online or filled sponsorship cards, and Carolan's Coaches, who are providing transport for the group to the jump site.

And there is one person who may be even more nervous than Annemarie herself.

"My poor mammy back home in Shercock will be at her wits' end until she knows I'm safely back on solid ground," she laughed. "She knows just how afraid of heights I am."

As for whether she'd ever do another skydive?

"Ask me again after the plane door opens!" she joked.

For now, Annemarie is simply focused on taking that giant leap – not for herself, but for the many local families supported by Nobber Cancer Support Group.

Annemarie’s bravery has attracted donations of €3070 thus far and after Saturday’s parachute jump, her ‘Support Annemarie Cassidy Tandem Parachute Jump Charity Fundraiser’ on iDonate.ie will remain open. So it’s not too late to donate!