Harness racing high-fliers take big jump for Blue September

A year ago Blue September ambassadors Blair Orange, Robbie Close and Jonny Cox were asked a simple question.

"If we can get a big donation will you three skydive?"

"Yes," they replied in unison.

"100 per cent," said an adamant Blair Orange, "I so want to."

Now, thanks to the generosity of TAB, in conjunction with HRNZ, they will be taking the biggest leaps of their lives in Auckland on Monday, August 26, where they will plummet to earth at terminal velocity (up to 200 kilometres per hour!).

The big question now is : "How high will they freefall from?"

And that depends on you.

If $3000 is raised they will jump from 18,000 feet (that's over 5 kilometres), the highest you can skydive from in the Southern Hemisphere.

If $1000 is raised all three will jump from 13,000 feet, and if $2000 is raised they will jump from 16,000 feet.

"We really want to go full noise on this," says Orange, "to jump from 18,000 feet would be epic."

People wanting to donate can do so here https://tinyurl.com/3eavpfjt

To view the video click here

The day after their sky-diving debut, the trio will head to Cambridge and will be available to drive at its weekly Tuesday meeting.

A Blue September raffle will also be held on course before the campaign kicks off officially at Ashburton on Sunday, September 1.

The 12 Blue September ambassadors this year are (in alphabetical order) :

Benjamin Butcher

Blair Orange

Dylan Ferguson

Henry Sail

Jonny Cox

Matty Williamson

Nathan Williamson

Robbie Close

Rory McIlwrick

Sam Thornley

Tony Cameron

Zev Meredith

This campaign will be the fourth time it's been held in this country and while the three wannabe sky-divers have been involved in every campaign, Benjamin Butcher, Henry Sail, Sam Thornley, and Tony Cameron will all be taking part in their first.

Every win an ambassador has during September will see funds raised for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, through individual sponsorships as well as donations from HRNZ and individual clubs. One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime with around 7000 men dying from it in this country every year. The Foundation encourages regular checks for all men over 50, and for those over 40 who have a family history of prostate cancer.

Last year the campaign raised $30,000, with Orange having 14 wins and raising $3900, with Close next on $3000. Close already has 10 sponsors lined up for this campaign.

Drivers are always on the lookout for more sponsors so anyone wanting to get involved can email [email protected]