THREE thrill-seeking friends – including a Dorset Echo News Editor – will be jumping out of a plane to raise money for a Dorset children’s hospice.

Vicky Nash will be taking on the fundraising skydive for Julia’s House, along with Jemma Good and Sean Phelps.

The trio are hoping to raise more than £1,000 for the charity, which provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition in their own homes, in the community and at its hospices.

The charity’s Big Jump 2021 will take place at the Army Parachute Association, in Netheravon, Salisbury, on April 24.

Vicky, 36, civil servant Jemma, 30, and former Royal Marine Sean, 46, a care worker, will each be paying £200 to take part in the event, which will go to the charity. But they have also set up a fundraising page to allow people to donate and raise extra money for the cause.

Each strapped to an instructor, they will jump from 13,000ft, freefalling for a minute before the parachute is released, reaching speeds of up to 120mph.

Mum-of-one Vicky, from Weymouth, said: “I’m scared of flying in general so the thought of throwing myself out of a plane at 13,000 ft is terrifying.

“But after a year of lockdown we thought it would be an amazing experience which will allow us to raise vital funds for such a wonderful cause.

“All charities have suffered financially due to the Covid pandemic and they need all the help we can give them. When we saw Julia’s House advertise this year’s Big Jump event we thought it would be a great opportunity to face our fears and help boost their funds.

“It is a brilliant local charity which does amazing work to support families with children suffering life threatening conditions.

“We understand so many people are also struggling at the moment but we are grateful for any donations to help Julia’s House continue to provide vital support to families in need.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the cause can visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/skydiving

For more information about Julia’s House, visit: www.juliashouse.org