Coinciding with World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (October 12), 74-year-old Lawrence Warner took his courage in his hands to raise awareness and funds for Associação Madrugada, a non-profit organisation that provides support and palliative care to people affected by life-limiting illness in the Algarve.
Facing his long standing fear of heights, he leapt from an aircraft over Alvor at 15,000ft to descend at speeds reaching 120mph.
Aided by a powerful therapeutic technique known as Thought Field Therapy (TFT) Callahan Technique, Lawrence reduced his level of fear from 10/10 to 2/10 and on the morning of his jump the level of anxiety he experienced was no more than one would expect for a ‘virgin skydive’.
Landing elegantly in front of an audience of well wishes and Madrugada supporters, Lawrence embraced his excellent instructor Pedro and said, “I feel elated”.Minutes later he was reunited with his wife Marcia who had remained calm and encouraging throughout.
Several friends, all of whom were relieved to have him safely returned to the fold, were standing by to congratulate Lawrence on his achievement. The event was covered by a TVi television crew who were keen to know why Lawrence was jumping and to hear more about the ground-breaking initiatives of the Madrugada Association.
Alison Blair, President of Madrugada, said: “Lawrence is so amazing; congratulations on a brilliant accomplishment. I hope the community will recognise his courage and make his efforts truly worthwhile by sponsoring his jump. Please help him to help us to help you. We want to be there if or when you or someone you love needs us, but we can’t do it without your help.”
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