Waseley Hills Crematorium staff take 14,000ft plunge

Crematorium attendants Claire Montague and Lianne Dursley had never taken on such a big challenge before, but they managed to raise a staggering £1,650 for Dementia UK.

The money raised will help fund some of the costs of Admiral Nurses who provide vital support to families affected by dementia.

Waseley Hills Crematorium attendant Claire Montague (Image: Westerleigh Group)

Ms Montague said: “As a team, we thought it would be a good idea to do something scary to raise funds for the charity.

“It was just me and my colleague Lianne who said yes to a parachute jump as everyone else said no.

“I guess we thought it’d be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even though we knew it was going to be the most terrifying experience of our lives at the same time.” 

The pair had never taken on such a big challenge before (Image: Westerleigh Group)

Waseley Hills Crematorium is part of the Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest owners and operators of crematoriums and cemeteries, with Dementia UK being the corporate charity partner for 2023.

For the fundraiser, the pair did tandem jumps with a professional on their backs which included about a minute of free-falling before the parachute opened.

Waseley Hills Crematorium attendant Lianne Dursley (Image: Westerleigh Group)

Ms Montague added: “It felt totally natural edging towards the edge of the plane and telling yourself to jump out, but the staff who were alongside us were wonderful.

“When the parachute opened, we were able to properly enjoy the experience. It was lovely and quiet, the views were fantastic and the landing was very smooth.

“Whilst being immensely proud of ourselves for overcoming our fears, we don’t feel any need to rush to repeat the experience.

"It was something that we will never forget and was a big tick on our bucket lists.”