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Participant Profile for
Shirley Cowcher
Last Updated: September 18, 2009
I am from Palmyra, Western Australia, Australia and I am 50 years old. I’ve been skydiving for 14 years and have made 2000 skydives during that time.
My professional occupation is Director/Owner of Information Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd.
My Biography:
Born in Manchester, England, and immigrated to Australia with my family when I was 13. I now call Western Australia home. Completed library and computing science qualifications in my twenties and then went on to establish my own company and have a son, St John, in the same year. Have managed my own library & records management consulting, training and employment service company for the past 23 years with the support of a great group of employees who support my passion for information management, developing self and skydiving - they don't jump just encourage me.
I took up skydiving when I was 34 and planned to do just one tandem in support of my sister who was turning 40. She did one and I kept going. I was not a natural skydiver and had to work hard to get there. So getting invited to this event tastes very sweet.
Over the 14 years I have achieved my Instructor D, AFF rating. I love coaching, encouraging and mentoring novice jumpers - those that have acheived A licence but not yet got their B licence. They are the future of our sport and the ones I want to stay with us.
My Hobbies & Other Interests:
Skydiving, physical fitness, reading and people (I find them of great interest)
Why I feel it’s important to participate in JFTC:
At this time in my life I have not had an immediate family member diagnosed with breast cancer, but given that I have five sisters then the statistics add up. JFTC is about women supporting each other regardless of age, location and all those other demographic descriptors that are used. It allows us, as a group, to highlight an issue that needs significant funding for research. I'll admit that I want to be a part of this event not only to see money raised for breast cancer research but also to feel the support, encouragement and nurturing that comes from a group of positive women.
The event also allows female skydivers to act as positive role models for young women. A Women's World Record is something that can attract media attention and bring Breast Cancer Research and skydiving into the fore in a positive way.
Acknowldgement
I would like to acknowledge the support I have recieved from the WA State Parachute Council and the Australian Parachute Federation who have provided funding to allow me to prepare for and attend this event. I also thank all those who have chosen to support this cause through your donations.
Dedication
In February 2009 my father died from cancer. My success in this event is dedicated to my Dad.
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