Wag skydive 2026
Our 2026 group of Wag volunteers and supporters have taken to the skies for a 14,000ft skydive, raising an incredible £3,627 (so far – we’re still counting!) to help tackle loneliness among older dog lovers across the North East.
Claire Hopkins, Karen Hanlon, Laura Jobling, Freya Townsend and Naomi Watson all stepped well outside their comfort zones to complete the challenge and support Wag’s important work!
Claire volunteers with Wag alongside her Friendship Dog, Tulip. She said: “I decided to take on a 14,000ft skydive to support this incredible charity, which does so much to tackle loneliness by bringing companionship and joy to people through visiting dogs. It’s a cause really close to my heart, and I wanted to do something that truly pushed me out of my comfort zone. After a year’s delay, a 20kg weight loss and a cancelled jump due to weather… I finally did it! And honestly? I absolutely loved it. It was the most exhilarating, unforgettable experience and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. So proud to support Wag & Company and be part of something that makes such a difference.”
Fellow volunteer Karen Hanlon has seen the impact of Wag’s visits from both sides, as the care home where she works also welcomes visiting Wag Teams. “It was a surreal experience with a great group of ladies, and I’d definitely do it again,” she said.
Laura Jobling, who volunteers with her dog, Obi, decided to embrace the challenge after recently turning 40. She said: “I’m trying new – and slightly crazy – things this year! I’ve volunteered for Wag with Obi since moving to the North East and love everything it represents. It was such a great group of girls to jump and spend the weekend with. There was so much excitement right up until the door opened – then it all felt pretty crazy! I loved the freefall and the gentle ride back to earth. I would absolutely do it again.”
The group was also joined by Freya Townsend and Naomi Watson from Wear Referrals Veterinary Hospital, which regularly supports Wag.
Freya, a vet in the hospital’s neurology team, said: “I’m always up for a challenge, and Wag is a wonderful charity to raise funds for. The skydive was so much scarier than I could ever have imagined, but I would absolutely do it again.”
Naomi, a receptionist at Wear Referrals and an animal lover with two dogs, three cats and a friend’s horse to help care for, added: “I hadn’t raised money for charity in many years, but I wanted to do it for Wag because our hospital helps the charity regularly. The experience was amazing and totally crazy – and we had so much fun raising the funds.”
A huge thank you to Claire, Karen, Laura, Freya and Naomi – and to everyone who sponsored them – for going to extraordinary heights for Wag!
