New generation of divers just as selfless as the last

How time flies – this was, of course, the beginning of the Arun Divers' leap each year.

It all started with a local trawlerman, Mickey Driscoll, telling friends in the Arun View pub that he would leap into the river from the bridge for 100 and take the money to Penlee for the families who had such losses.

He blinked and there were five 20 notes on the bar!

It was all systems go, but there was a small problem – Mickey could not swim!

He came to Arun Divers for help, asking for something that would let him float. We fitted him out with a wetsuit and a pair of divers to jump with him, and we had the club assault craft and crew waiting below him. He survived the drop.

The divers had such a good time that many more took the leap, collecting more cash, and we had mad auctions. I remember a Mars bar being sold to the Arun View's customers for 15.

The total that year was 400, which was taken to Penlee by a charter skipper, Tom Pidd, the next day.

Since then, Arun Divers have chosen a local cause by agreement and then backed it to the hilt, whatever the choice. The sums have mounted each year into the thousands of pounds, and many good causes have received cash to help them with their aims.

As a founder member, and former chairman, now retired, I would like to thank the club for all their efforts to continue with the tradition.

It makes me very proud. I did see a few old faces last Sunday at this year's leap, but the new generation is as good as the old.

Keep up the good work.

Ray Lee,

Saxon Close

East Preston