Jumping out of a plane to help save lives at sea

On Easter Monday (6 April 2026), Matthew will be heading to Swansea to throw himself out of a plane at 15,000ft, all in aid of raising money for Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station. Matthew said:

‘I want to raise money for a brilliant local cause and the RNLI lifeboat station is an obvious choice in my mind. I’m aware the crew is made up of volunteers, local men and women from the community giving up their time to help save lives at sea.

‘Covering all the roles from the lifeboat crew to the shop and events teams, the fact that they are all volunteers is really inspiring. As a business owner in our coastal town, I know the importance of the lifeboat and want to give something back in my own way.’

Matthew, who runs a number of hospitality businesses in Aberystwyth with his wife, is petrified of heights and wants to really challenge himself to try and raise as much money as possible for the lifesaving charity.

‘I’m not good with heights, which is why this is such a big challenge for me. Initially my jump was going to be at 10,000ft, but I opted to increase this to 15,000ft – which is the highest possible skydive altitude permitted in the UK.

‘“Go big or go home” I say – but I’m not so sure I’ll be that confident when I’m sat on the edge of the plane door above the clouds on the 6^th of April.’

As well as the jump itself, Matthew is organising a number of supporting events to increase donations including quiz nights and a post-jump raffle giveaway, with some amazing prizes like a Champagne afternoon tea at The Waldorf, London.

‘I’m calling on the community and beyond to please get behind these events, have fun with friends and family and donate anything you can to support a fantastic cause.’

Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Geraint Wheeler, said:

‘As with anyone who chooses to raise money for the RNLI, we’re delighted that Matthew has chosen to fundraise for us. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will go towards our lifesaving mission.

‘Without fundraisers like Matthew and the generosity of our supporters getting behind these events, we would not be able to maintain our equipment or train our volunteer crew to be ready to save lives at sea – whenever the call for help comes in.

‘On behalf of all of us here at Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station, thank you and we hope to see you at the upcoming events.’

Dates for the diary:

• Stranger Things Quiz at The White Horse – Friday 13 March from 7pm. To book call 07977 391815.
  
  
• Charity skydive jump in Swansea – Monday 6 April (Easter Bank Holiday). To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/support-aberystwyth-lifeboat-station
  
  
• Raffle Giveaway at The White Horse – Monday 6 April from 3pm. To book call 07977 391815.
  
  

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please contact RNLI Regional Communications Manager, Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, on [email protected] / 07977 728 315. Alternatively you can contact the Press Office on [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.