Worsley resident Jessica Peaty took to the heavens for a hair-raising skydive in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society on Monday 24 May.

Jessica is a home-based worker for business software company The Access Group, which has chosen the National Deaf Children’s Society as its charity of the year for 2020-21.

Jessica’s skydive took place at Langar Airfield near Nottingham. She flew from 14,000 feet in a tandem jump with a qualified instructor, together with five other colleagues from The Access Group.

She has raised over £1,700 so far, which The Access Group has pledged to match. All the funds raised go directly to the National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.

Jessica lives in Worsley with her five-month-old Doberman puppy, Ronnie.

Jessica said:

“It was the most terrifying and amazing experience ever. There’s nothing quite like freefalling from 14,000 feet. I’d wanted to do something that pushed me out of my comfort zone, which has been hard to achieve over the last 12 months, being in and out of lockdowns, but I did say I’d get on a plane one way or another this year.

“The National Deaf Children’s Society is such a brilliant cause to support and the help they give to families with deaf children is wonderful. That’s what kept me going through this incredible experience. It was so worth it.”

Claire Lubbock, of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s fundraising team, added:

“I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to Jessica for taking the plunge for the National Deaf Children’s Society. You’re a hero. We have so many supporters doing all kinds of daring activities for us and they’re providing vital funds for the work we do.

“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like Jessica help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”