Bungee jump duo raise money for charity

KCP champs, Gary Parks and Chris Bonsall, throw themselves into their work on a daily basis but have taken that to a different level.

The daring duo plunged off the world famous Killicrankie Bridge to raise funds, for Islay Dogs Rescue in Cumnock and Macmillan Cancer Support, raising a total of £350.

Team KCP have raised thousands of pounds by taking part in numerous charitable events over the years including Sleep in the Park and Tough Mudder.

But only Gary and Chris were brave enough to free-fall 40 metres from the iconic landmark before being plucked upwards again by the elastic bungee rope — all the time travelling at more than 50 miles per hour.

Chris said afterwards: “It was absolutely brilliant. I had been looking forward to it but don’t get me wrong when we were on the bridge getting set up there were butterflies in my stomach and I have to admit that when I jumped and was free-falling I was thinking ‘what have I done’.”

He said that the bouncing and gradual stopping process didn’t seem to take too long and added that when he was hauled back up to the platform he ‘just wanted to do it again’.

“I am sure I will do it again. I am really glad we did it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. When I agreed to do this I was afraid of heights but now I have done it I have proved I can do anything and there is nothing stopping me now,” he added.

Islay Dog Rescue was Chris’ choice of charity because he and wife Mhairi are real dog lovers who share their home with an English Setter, which they show, and a couple of ‘wired to the moon’ Spaniels.

Lorraine Jardine of Islay Dog Rescue said: “These events make a massive difference to us. We rely totally on donations and fund raising and are trying to build new kennels.

“Whilst we have enough for the ground works we need another £25,000 for all the kennels and runs.

“Every penny counts and events such as these guys doing the bungee jump mean the world to us. We are constantly blown away by people’s kindness.”