A WOMAN from Fairfield who is afraid of heights is raising money for charity by doing a sponsored parachute jump.

Annelise Astley, aged 32, from Fothergill Street, is completing the parachute jump in order to raise funds for the Stick n Step charity, which provides free conductive education for children with cerebral palsy in the north west.

She was told by doctors that her daughter, Alethea, aged six, would never develop the ability to walk or talk as she has cerebral palsy and dandy walker syndrome.

However Stick n Step have made it possible for Alethea to learn to talk and now she is also starting to walk albeit sometimes with assistance.

Annelise said: “Stick n Step have enriched my life as well as Alethea’s, not just because of what they have done for her, but because all the staff have been so approachable and supportive.

“I am very nervous about the jump as I am terrified of heights.

“I tried to do a car-boot sale but thought I needed to do something major.

“I’ve had nightmares about falling from heights since I was a kid and I want to try and overcome my fears.”

Stick n Step receives no government funding and relies entirely on parents and any other voluntary contributions.

Annelise is hoping to raise more than £1000 for the charity, if you would like to help sponsor her then click on the website at justgiving.com/Annelise-Astley.