Читать книгу The 50 List – A Father’s Heartfelt Message to his Daughter: Anything Is Possible - Nigel Holland - Страница 19

Since Ellie’s been invited to try the skydiving too, she gets to sit in on our short pre-flight briefing. This seems to clinch it: despite her initial enthusiasm, the combination of cameras and sound booms and safety rules and jumpsuits conspires to make her change her mind – she’ll just watch. Which is fine. This is not about cajoling her to do things she doesn’t want to but just to let her know that, if she does want to do, she can. Which she might well do some day, if not this day, after watching me having a go at it.

With me all kitted out in my flight suit, it’s time for my first interview with Lucy.

‘So, Nigel,’ she says, ‘why has this made your list?’

Not for the chance to dress up like a superannuated Superman, obviously. ‘It’s a bit of a cliché,’ I tell her, ‘but you’re free as a bird up there. I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m not on my legs …’

Which, as I say it, reminds me what an incredible feeling that will be. I know I’m not on my legs anyway – well, except when I’m in a swimming pool – but to be free of gravity for a few moments, to be supported by nothing but the airflow, for there to be no difference between what the instructor can do and what I can do – well, wow, just the thought of that is so liberating. I still feel nervous. But I know it’s in a good way.