A parachute challenge was certainly full of ups and downs for Jon Bridel, Chartered FCSI.
On the upside, Jon completed three jumps during a week-long military course in Holland to earn his Pathfinder parachute wings. Jon took part in aid of the Parachute Regimental Association Charity to support service veterans and their families and, to date, has raised more than £4,000. He has had an association with the Regiment going back over 30 years to his days as a military cadet.
But his “incredible experience” came at a cost – a broken leg as a result of a heavy landing on his final jump, which he carried out in difficult conditions.
He said: “I followed the correct procedure, keeping my legs together on landing. However you cannot slow down round-canopy parachutes of the type we were using in the same way as modern square ones so you just have to hope for the best. I did come down with a thud.
“I thought I had just sprained my ankle and didn’t find out that my fibula was fractured until five days later after returning home to Guernsey!,” said Jon.
Formerly Managing Director of Royal Bank of Canada’s investment and fund business in the Channel Islands, he is currently a non-executive director of a number of listed companies and private equity groups.
Even the prospect of enduring six weeks with his leg in plaster and getting around on crutches could not dull Jon’s happy memories of his first foray into parachuting.
He said: “It’s a minor inconvenience in the context of one of the best weeks of my life. Completing the course was a way to commemorate the bravery of our veterans on the 70th anniversary of D-Day and to experience the parachute training they undertook.
"I was privileged to be part of a group of 15 fellow enthusiasts from around the world that received training from some of the most experienced paratroopers in the UK. In total, nine of us completed three jumps. It was an incredible experience I would urge others to consider and I hope to jump again once I have the all clear.”
Jon now has the distinction of being an honorary member of the Parachute Regimental Association, Portsmouth Branch, granted to him as a salute to his efforts.
For information about undergoing a similar training course, email Jon at jonbridel@cwgsy.net
He is still accepting donations at his fundraising page
Photo courtesy of The Guernsey Press