Three brave fundraisers completed a tandem skydive to raise money for Essex charity Accuro.
Accuro (Care Services) is based near Stansted Airport, and supports children, young people and adults with disabilities across West Essex.
Fundraisers Katie Bullett, Ellie Harvey and Jo Benterman took on the challenge at the London Skydiving Centre on Saturday, July 8, raising a total of £2,845 for the charity.
The trio originally aimed to complete the skydive on May 21, but the jump was cancelled due to high winds.
Determined not to give up, the fundraisers returned to the skydiving centre in the early hours of the Saturday morning.
Luckily the weather was on their side, and they were part of the first group to take off at 9am, after a recap of the safety training.
Ellie, Jo and Katie each jumped out of the plane at 10,000 feet, and experienced the sensation of freefalling at 125mph for 30 seconds before having a turn at steering their parachutes while taking in the scenery of the Cambridgeshire countryside.
Katie, who is communications officer at Accuro, said: "A skydive has been on my bucket list for years but nerves have always prevented me from doing one.
"When I started working for Accuro eight months ago I felt like it was a sign that I should finally just go for it.
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"Thank you so much to everyone that donated – knowing how much we have raised for Accuro gave me the motivation I needed to see the challenge through.
"It was an incredible feeling and an experience I will never forget!"
Accuro's fundraising manager Sue Fishpool added: "We are so proud of Katie, Ellie and Jo, not only for completing their Skydives, but for raising such a tremendous amount for Accuro.
"These funds will make a real difference for local people with a disability and their families and carers and will change lives.
"It is heartwarming to receive this incredible support, thank you to everyone who donated."
Accuro's work aims to reduce isolation and provide accessible social and leisure opportunities.
For more information about the charity's work visit https://www.accuro.org.uk/services/.
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