Alex, from Brixham, is preparing to leap 13,000 feet as part of the tandem sky dive alongside the parachute regiment's freefall team at their base in Netheravon, Wiltshire, on July 10 in aid of Disability Snowsport UK.
The sky dive team will include Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, former Olympic skier Alain Baxter and other ski instructors, who will attempt to raise £25,000 for DSUK.
Disability Snowsport provides access to adaptive skiing for people with disabilities.
Alex, 51, of Polhearne Lane, is the director of the World Class Skiing company.
He met Sir Steve Redgrave in Austria in March where he was teaching him to become a ski instructor.
"We met up with the British Disabled Ski Team on one of their spring training camps," Alex explained.
"Ex-military personnel are well represented in the development squad and Captain Mark Hewitt, a disabled but still serving army officer, challenged us to complete a parachute jump with the Red Devils to raise money for DSUK — and we foolishly agreed."
The charity does not receive any government funding and relies on volunteers to perform the logistics of support and training disabled skiers and snowboarders, and buying specialist equipment.
Alex continued: "As trainers with the British Association of Snowsports Instructors we are at the top of our game but what these guys and girls can achieve on one leg or in a 'sit ski,' which is a moulded seat fixed to a single ski, is truly awe inspiring and puts us able-bodied folks to shame.
"We are hearing about the difficulties our forces are facing in Afghanistan on a weekly basis.
"They are serving under the most extreme conditions and must be supported if things go wrong.
"Just rebuilding day-to-day life is difficult enough, but in addition to the practical and psychological support needed, what DSUK does is to provide an opportunity for anyone who is disabled to experience the thrill of sport.
"I've never done a sky dive before and although I am looking forward to it, I'm also quite nervous."
Twenty-five people will be making the jump and are looking to raise £1,000 each for DSUK.
Alex has already raised £600 towards his target and is seeking more sponsorship. Phone 07717 470 223, or email him at alex@worldclassskiing.co.uk
Hearald Express, 2nd July 2009
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