Fundraiser Jon shows off his head(stand) for heights on a Dorset balloon ride
When Jon Smallwood disappeared into the basket of a hot air balloon after a voyage over Dorset and performed a headstand, he left other passengers open mouthed. But this was far more than an unusual party trick.
Deputy head teacher Jon is known in Dorset as the ‘ The Headstand King’ and this was the latest of many headstands he has performed in weird and wonderful places – from cliff tops to supermarket check outs - to raise money for the Eve Appeal – Gynaecology Cancer Research Fund. The keen runner, who fought off Leukaemia himself two years ago, is doing a fantastic job with the total already over £1,000.
After conquering the balloon basket, following the balloon flight from Sherborne on January 19th, he then went on to do a headstand on the balloon evelope which was packed away in its bag. Dorset hot air balloon pilot Simon Redman was so impressed he made a donation to the cause.
He said: “When Jon asked if he could do a headstand in the basket while we were flying unfortunately I had to say no, but he wasn’t put off and after we landed he jumped straight into the basket and did a perfect handstand so you could just see his legs sticking out. It was brilliant and made everyone laugh. He’s a great sport and is raising money for a really good cause so I was more than happy to domy little bit. I can’t wait to see where he does the next headstand!”
See more pictures of the Headstand King in action or Find out about the Eve Appeal or make a donation
THanks for a brilliant day, Simon AND the donation AND the great write-up. It’s very good of you to advertise this charity. I hope people click on the links to my facebook and youtube accounts to see what I have been doing. I hope people will contact me with their challenges. Where next??
Best wishes to you and your great crew.
Headstandking