King’s Lynn Stephenson Smart charity skydive for Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House in Hillington

It’s a Dad’s Life with Neil Gayton, July

I’ve had quite the month. There’s been football matches, a Sports Day at work (where I was particularly proficient at rounders), but most importantly, I threw myself out of a plane for charity.

It’s not the first time I’ve done it, so I kind of knew what to expect and although the last attempt was over a glacier in New Zealand, I preferred the beautiful coastline of Lowestoft as we descended.

Obviously, we picked the hottest day of the year so far for it, so nerves went out the window just trying to make sure I didn’t look a sweaty mess before I even got into the aircraft.

But there was a great spirit between team Stephenson Smart and we were really excited to raise more than £4,000 for the Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, a really fantastic charity raising money for people with life-limiting illnesses.

I’m wondering what could be next now, I fancy a bit of wing-suiting. I like the idea of the freedom and the webbed-sleeved jumpsuit, which I’m sure I’d carry off spectacularly.

My boys of course are jealous that I got to skydive, and they didn’t. I have explained they have to be slightly older and until then they will have to make do with jumping off the sofa. I regretted that comment instantly though as Samuel is rather prone to accidents and I don’t fancy yet another trip to A&E.

At Stephenson Smart we work very closely with many charities supporting them with annual accounts, payroll and VAT returns.

Every penny counts, so we are also responsible for organising gift aid and charity commission reports.

Many charities have also instructed us to move them across from a time-consuming manual system to digital and we have coached them through the transition.

If you work for a charity and think we can help, give us a call on 01553 774104.