WATCH: Shock moment mum's charity stunt jump goes horribly wrong

Crowds watch in disbelief as Sophie's car flips. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela PapworthCrowds watch in disbelief as Sophie's car flips. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela Papworth
Crowds watch in disbelief as Sophie's car flips. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela Papworth
FLYING through the air in a car that was about to crash onto its roof, mum-of-two Sophie Holmes had just one thought in her mind: '˜Will I still be able to walk and play with my children after this.'

Captured in dramatic photographs from Makaela Papworth, the brave 26-year-old was just at the tail-end of an audacious stunt for charity when things went horribly wrong.

She was tasked with driving her small pink car up a ramp as fast as she could in a bid to vault over ten cars during a charity event at Angmering Oval motorsports arena, in West Sussex.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But as Sophie landed, her car clipped the end of the last vehicle in the line, causing her flying pink motor to flip end-over-end and land on its roof.

The car flipped on to its roof in the horrifying crash.  Picture: Makaela Papworth / www.shuttersphotography.co.ukThe car flipped on to its roof in the horrifying crash.  Picture: Makaela Papworth / www.shuttersphotography.co.uk
The car flipped on to its roof in the horrifying crash. Picture: Makaela Papworth / www.shuttersphotography.co.uk

Recalling the terrifying crash (which begins at 3min 18sec in the video), Sophie, of Southbourne, said: '˜As soon as I hit the ramp I closed my eyes and prayed I didn't hit head-first.

'˜I opened my eyes as I nosedived and realised I was just skidding nose-first on the ground.

'˜My first thought was 'I'm done for'. It was a scary moment. I had children and kept thinking the worst.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜I thought I was never going to be able to run around with them again.

Sophie throws her hands in the air after clambering out of her wrecked motor. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela PapworthSophie throws her hands in the air after clambering out of her wrecked motor. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela Papworth
Sophie throws her hands in the air after clambering out of her wrecked motor. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela Papworth

'˜Then as I landed on my roof I realised I was okay and I could move both my legs, I was over-the-moon.'

Miraculously Sophie escaped the leap unharmed and raised both hands up in triumph after she clambered out of her battered Nissan Micra before hugging her children Tyler, six, and Amelia, one.

And her efforts have helped to raise more than £2,500 for Scouts across the Emsworth and Southbourne area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Her feat was watched by more than 500 people during the event on bank holiday Monday.

Just moments before the crash. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela PapworthJust moments before the crash. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela Papworth
Just moments before the crash. Picture: www.shuttersphotography.co.uk / Makaela Papworth

It is the latest adrenaline-fuelled fundraiser set up by her dad, Gavin Reid, owner of The King's Arms, in Havant Road, Emsworth - where Sophie also works.

For the past three years, Gavin has been challenging staff with daring antics for good causes as part of Kingsfest - which has raised about £14,000.

'˜They've been getting more extreme each year,' added Sophie. '˜First it was an abseil down the Spinnaker Tower, then a skydive and now this - we're like guinea pigs.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gavin roped in family friend and experienced stunt jumper, Bradley Lock - who is part of their pub quiz team and sponsored to race by Gavin.

Southbourne stunt driver Sophie Holmes with her fatherSouthbourne stunt driver Sophie Holmes with her father
Southbourne stunt driver Sophie Holmes with her father

Bradley, who has completed seven jumps similar to Sophie's including his latest on Monday, was stunned by her efforts.

The 25-year-old who runs a boat repairs business in Emsworth, said landing could feel like '˜hitting a brick wall'.

He added:  '˜For her first time jump it was pretty impressive. I was over-the-moon for her and pretty surprised that she did what she did.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He helped find and build the car, installing a safety roll cage and five-pin racing harness to make.

Bradley, who lives in Woodmancote, said the idea came after Sophie and her dad watched one of his stunts earlier this year.

However, Sophie said she never thought she would actually be racing.

'˜My dad just surprised me one day with it,' she said.

Those eager to support Sophie after her event can donate cash at the The King's Arms.

Makaela Papworth is a freelance photographer, at shuttersphotography.co.uk. 

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice