Skydive in memory of Harper Adams colleague

Posted 31 July 2013

A plucky member of staff at Harper Adams University has raised hundreds of pounds for charity by taking part in a 10,000ft tandem skydive in memory of a colleague and friend.

Lisa Barnett, Assistant Registrar (Validations and Accreditation) at the university, took to the sky above Shropshire to raise money for charities supported by Howard Knowles. Howard joined Harper Adams in 2001 and was a Student Systems Developer. He sadly passed away in December 2012.

“I have always been a thrill seeker and my interests, outside of work, involve white knuckle rides, scaling towers, hot air ballooning, and now sky diving,” she said.

“It was always a personal ambition of mine to jump out of an aeroplane and when a very dear friend and colleague, Howard Knowles, sadly passed away, I knew that this was the right thing to do in his memory, particularly as Howard had also previously skydived.

“Howard’s parents, Jean and Keith Knowles, were extremely supportive of this idea and we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and words of encouragement from all of Howard’s colleagues and friends at Harper Adams and also our partner colleges.

“We all wanted to contribute to charities which we knew that Howard and his family supported and therefore all of the fundraising has been in support of the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and Providence Chapel at Hookgate.”

Lisa completed her tandem skydive at The Parachute Centre at Tilstock Airfield, Whitchurch, on June 29, where she was joined by Howard’s parents, her own family and supporters from Harper Adams.

She has raised a total of £700 which will be divided equally between the two charities.

“The whole experience was absolutely incredible and travelling through the air at 120mph was even better than I had ever imagined,” Lisa added.

“The expert advice and guidance, and also good humour, provided by my instructor Paul and videographer Busby, were second to none, and it is something that I will definitely do again.

“This has been a very fitting tribute in honour of our special friend and colleague Howard, who will never be forgotten, and certainly a true example of the ‘Harper Spirit’.”