Prison officers from HMP Bristol had a day to remember when their charity parachute jump with the Parachute Regiment saw them fall from the sky alongside TV star and adventurer Bear Grylls. Eighteen people paid to take part in the jump from 13,500 feet to raise money for Support our Paras, the official charity of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, collecting a total of around £4,000. Grylls, 48, broke his back during a parachute jump in 1996 but is still a regular jumper and joined the prison staff during their attempt.
“Days like this pull you together,” said Jo Hadden, 51, a security governor for the regional team, based in Bristol. “It helps you to recharge. Everyone on the jump had different backgrounds, roles and experience, but on that day we were so supportive of each other. “We gave loads of encouragement, some of us were really nervous but we were there for one purpose, to jump. And we did it. Since the jump we have all been talking and sharing pictures – I would definitely do it again.”
Prison officer Mark Pulman, 54, organised the jump after serving with paras for nine years before starting his extensive prison career. Mark, who last year organised a team-building exercise on the Brecon Beacons, believes days like this are vital to foster the togetherness and spirit needed to work as a prison officer.
“We had 18 jump in the end and all of the staff are absolutely buzzing after it and want to do it again. It’s so good for team building and wellbeing - you can’t bottle what that gives you. Bear Grylls was there on the day, he jumped with the staff and he put a picture
showing his support.
"I was a PE instructor in prisons for 25 years and I am passionate about bringing the team together. We even had the Governor from Dartmoor Prison jumping with us, it was a great mix of people. Taking time away to do something like this, or a walk up the hills all day, and then grabbing a coffee or a pint, is so important for team building when you are back on the wings. We will 100% do it again.”
You do not need qualifications to become a prison officer or to join in a support staff role. HMP Bristol is looking for caring people with good communication and influencing skills and effective decision-making.
“Someone who is kind, has integrity and is focused on the outcome of the people they are looking after would make a good officer,’ added Jo. I’ve been in the prison service for 27 years and always advocate for the best outcomes for every prisoner. "
Applications for prison officer roles at HMP Bristol are now open. Those who would like to take the first step towards a rewarding new career can apply or find out more by visiting
