Cranleigh Pensioner, 91, Completes Skydive for Community
The Leap of Faith for Cranleigh’s Heart
Cranleigh residents are no strangers to community spirit, but 91-year-old local resident Alan Still has taken fundraising to breathtaking new heights. In an extraordinary feat that has captivated the entire village, Alan recently completed a high-altitude skydive, raising an impressive £5,000 for the Rowleys Centre for the Community. Located on Victoria Road, Rowleys is the beating heart of Cranleigh, providing a vital social hub, warm meals, and essential support services for our older neighbours. Alan described the experience of leaping from the aircraft as “absolutely exhilarating,” admitting that while the freefall was over in a flash, the memory will last a lifetime. To honour his bravery, the team at Rowleys visited Alan at his home to present him with a special commemorative “thank you” mug featuring a photo of his jump. Far from hanging up his adventure gear, Alan is already planning his next stunt: a 100 mph zipwire challenge in Wales. His daring exploit reminds us all that age is just a number when it comes to supporting the local causes that keep our village connected.
Why Rowleys and Local Infrastructure Matter
The £5,000 raised by Alan comes at a crucial time for Cranleigh and the surrounding Surrey Hills area. As our community expands, the demand on local support networks like Rowleys has grown exponentially. At the same time, the physical footprint of our neighbourhoods is evolving. Many local families are opting to adapt their existing homes rather than move away, with reputable Guilford builders seeing a massive surge in projects like a loft conversion or a complete loft refurbishment to accommodate multi-generational living. As more families expand their homes upward, keeping elderly relatives close by, the need for robust community infrastructure becomes even more apparent. Hubs like Rowleys ensure that while families are busy with work and home renovations, their older relatives have a safe, active, and welcoming place to spend their days. The synergy between private home improvements and public community support is what keeps Cranleigh thriving, ensuring that our village remains inclusive for everyone from young toddlers to adventurous nonagenarians like Alan.
What’s Next and How Cranleigh Can Get Involved
Looking ahead, the funds raised by Alan will go directly toward maintaining the daily activities and transport services that Rowleys provides. Local residents who want to follow Alan’s inspiring lead don’t necessarily have to jump out of a plane; there are plenty of ways to get involved closer to earth. Rowleys is always seeking volunteers to help serve lunches, drive the community minibus, or simply sit and chat with visitors. Additionally, local businesses are being encouraged to sponsor upcoming autumn events or donate raffle prizes. As for Alan, the village will be watching closely as he prepares for his high-speed Welsh zipwire adventure. His zest for life has re-energised the neighbourhood and set a new benchmark for local fundraising. To learn more about how you can support the Rowleys Centre, make a donation, or find out about volunteering opportunities, stop by the centre on Victoria Road or visit their community noticeboard. Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure our community spaces remain strong for generations to come.
Source: Cranleigh man, 91, completes skydive for community group
