A FEAR of fairground rides didn’t stop a Cinderford nursery assistant from doing a 10,000 feet tandem skydive for charity.

Kirsti-Jade Hooper jumped – literally – at the chance to raise money for the Lennox Children’s Cancer Trust after receiving a letter from the charity about a skydive.

The 25-year-old completed the challenge with a qualified instructor.

Director of Bo-Peeps Day Nursery, at Forest Vale Industrial Estate, Fred Boseley said: “We often receive letters regarding fundraising ideas for staff and children to undertake. When Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund sent the nursery information on a skydive one member of staff ‘jumped’ at the idea.

“Kirsti is always willing to try new and exciting experiences but this may have been her biggest leap. She is frightened of fairground rides due to the sensation you get in your tummy from the gravity of the rides. She thought jumping out of a plane would not have a similar sensation. 

“Kirsti managed to raise £900 for the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund. After her tandem skydive from an altitude of 10,000 feet, of which 6,000 was freefall, Kirsti was supported by her family, friends and Bo-Peeps staff on the day and the weather was perfect for her skydive.

“We are very proud of Kirsti and this personal achievement for a worthwhile charity. She is still receiving sponsors and videos and photos are

on Bo-Peeps Facebook page.”

The charity provides assistance to the families of children with cancer and to the hospitals that treat them.