The foundation is the charitable arm of Cornerstone, which provides care and support to adults, young people and children across Scotland, including those with learning and physical disabilities, dementia, mental health problems and other needs.
So we thought, what better way to get first-hand knowledge of what our oil and gas clients offer and raise funds for such a brilliant charity?
And then it sunk in.
This was more than just a theme park ride, but a very real helicopter underwater escape training (HUET) simulator. The beads of sweat trickled down our necks as we bravely grinned, repeating the mantra: “It’s all for a good cause.”
Some acted oblivious; others wept and worried; and the confident team captain suddenly developed a chronic ear infection.
But committed to the cause, we began training.
Rod did press-ups against the filing cabinets; Wendy watched YouTube clips from countries lacking health and safety laws; and Diana and I dug out our goggles and hit the pool for those desired Baywatch bodies.
And while the team was under strict instruction from team captain Rod not to indulge in any bake sales so we could fit through the chopper’s snug windows, despite the lack of sweet treats, time passed swimmingly until the big day.
To whet the appetite, Falck gave fantastic and informative training before the teams submerged.
We donned the dazzling survival suits and took our places on the chopper, which was then dropped into the water and capsized.
Once underwater, we were to escape through the windows and swim to the surface. Simple.
Except first we had to carry out the safety routine, brace, and wait patiently for seven seconds.
This is a military tried and tested length of time. Otherwise, with the blades of the chopper still whirring, we would be “fish food.” “You are not stronger than water,” Falck’s drop of advice was ringing in our ears.
There were experienced divers looking out for us, and logic told us it was a simulation. Under pressure, however, the stream of worries almost absorbed us with Falck’s wise words drifting away.
This wasn’t a test of strength or speed, but of technique, composure and a wee bit of blind faith. Relieved we had our own windows so we didn’t get in each other’s way, it truly was every man for himself.
Seven was the magic number. We discovered that everyone has a different idea of seven seconds. We suspect Rod skipped a few, escaping rather swiftly to be the brave hero.
The slightly bedraggled team got out safely to the life raft, oozing confidence for completing the challenge and overcoming our fears, and we live on to tell the tale.
Most importantly, our fundraising efforts — and colleagues’ and friends’ generosity — has so far raised more than £1,300 for the Cornerstone Foundation: a sum that’s more than worth the blocked ears! If you’re inspired by our tale, please do show your support and donate here.
