Friends jump to raise money for charity (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Friends jump to raise money for charity

TWO intrepid friends are poised to take a leap into the unknown to raise money for research into a killer disease.

On May 29 Lorraine O'Connor and Nicky Sharpe will take part in a tandem parachute jump from a height of at least 10,000ft to raise money for the Meningitis Trust.

For Lorraine, 37, of London Road, Poulton and Nicky, 34, from Barnsley Road, Ampney Crucis, the leap at South Cerney Barracks will be their first and probably last.

Lorraine said: "It's a great way to raise money and awareness and the fact that we are scared of heights has got nothing to do with it!

"I think it's going to be one of those one and only experiences."

Lorraine has two children, William, one, and Emma, four, and Nicky has two, three-year-old Florence and Maddy, seven, a fact that has influenced their decision to take part in the jump.

The pair will be trained for the jump on the day it happens and will be strapped to an insructor

The money will help finance the charity's work, which includes running a helpline, visiting families affected by the disease and researching a cure. So far the two friends have raised about £1,200 in sponsorship from friends and family.

"If we can get to £2,000 that will be fantastic," added Lorraine.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the pair can contact Lorraine on 01285 851521.