Care home resident aged 95 becomes one of UK's oldest skydivers

A care home resident aged 95 became one of the UK’s oldest skydivers, when he leaped 15,000 feet out of a plane, saying ‘I don’t get nervous’.

Keith Stevens, who lives at Silvermere Care Home in Cobham, Surrey, was joined in his skydive by Angelica Lundekesi, wellbeing and activity coordinator at the home.

When asked if he was nervous about doing the skydive, Mr Stevens admitted he wasn't as anxious as Ms Lundekesi, saying, "I don't get nervous. I thought it was super. It is a good experience.”

Mr Stevens completed his first skydive four years ago in 2016. For his second skydive, he has managed to fundraise over £1,000 for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

At Silvermere, he walks in the garden every morning and attends exercise classes.

Angelica Lundekesi said: "I was anxious on the day, having never done a skydive before, but it was nice to have Keith there reassuring me that I’d enjoy it. Now I've experienced it, I’d like to do it again! It was inspirational to see Keith so happy; he was so excited to get back in the air and it was a pleasure to join him for this."

She called the experience "amazing" and said: "We will see you again, we have a few more in the care home lining up to have a go, he was our test drive. You might have the whole care home coming soon!”

GoSkydive chief instructor Ryan Mancey, said: "Keith is proof that age is just a number." Emily Wise, charity manager for GoSkydive, added: "Congratulations to Keith and Angelica for raising money for Macmillan in this way. Keith is a true inspiration to those who want to try a tandem skydive."

Keith Stevens and Angelica Lundekesi did the skydive at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury. Avery Healthcare has 56 care homes nationwide.

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