TWO FRIENDS are to jump out of a plane in memory of a school pal they first met at The Petersfield School.
Tom Shirley and Kayode Balogun are taking on a skydive from 15,000 feet in memory of Damian Thomas, who took his own life two years ago last month, at the age of 17.
Damian’s family set up The Damian Thomas Musical Trust in his memory, as Damian was passionate about music and loved to play the piano and to write music.
Tom (19), from Petersfield, said: “We had been friends since the start of The Petersfield School when we were 11.
“We went to school together and we were in a really good group.
“When he died, it was horrible for us. It was such a shock. No one knew it was coming.
“He was a bubbly person. He was always trying to make a joke out of everything. He was never down about anything.”
Damian took his own life in September 2015 when he jumped from a bridge over the A3 on the outskirts of Petersfield.
The idea to set up a trust in his name came from his family following his death. The focus of the trust, says Damian’s mother Kay, is to help disadvantaged young people learn to play a musical instrument.
That could be through providing music books, music lessons or help with renting instruments.
So far, the trust has raised around £4,800 from quizzes, bike rides and running events.
Once it reaches the £5,000 mark, Damian’s family will be able to apply for charity status.
Tom and Kayode are preparing themselves for their skydive challenge which is due to take place on November 11 near Salisbury.
“We’re both not big fans of heights,” Tom added.
“But Damian loved adrenaline and we thought this gives us a bit of adrenaline. He would have loved to do it.
“I’m quite nervous to be fair. Now we have booked it, it’s even more nerve racking.
“Damian would have loved it. He would have loved to be involved if he could. As it’s for a good cause and it’s for him, I think he would be happy that we are doing it.”
For more information about the trust and its work visit www.thedamianthom astrust.org