Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

2009 is my year of achievements and the biggest (and most challenging) is to jump out of a plane on a tandem skydive, hopefully with the Red Devils (not the Red Arrows as I keep telling people!)

Bonkers you may say! But by jumping out of a plan at 14,000 ft, (typing that has sent shivers down my spine!)  I am hoping to strike another big achievement off my list and raise money a charity called Zimele UK.

I got involved with Zimele UK following one of my best friend's experience of working in an orphanage in the Kwa Natal area of South Africa. 

Her 9 month story of working and supporting children with HIV and AIDS, who had lost parents and family members, inspired me to help as best as I could - at the time, that was through regular packages of gifts and toys for the children and being on the end of a phone when times got extremely hard as children became sick.

That was 3 years ago, and now four friends who share the same experiences have set up Zimele UK to continue supporting those children, and the adults who look after them. Zimele works on hand ups - not hand outs, so money raised pays for projects that works with the adults to help them become self-sufficient and care for the children. The projects range from making and selling crafts, selling local produce and business skills. All very simple but not when you don't know how.

Zimele UK sells the crafts made by the communities at local markets and the money is sent back to South Africa for the projects - helping communities to fight poverty and to ensure children have guardians.

I am the fifth trustee of the charity and I hope, by jumping from a plane, we will raise enough money to not only allow Zimele UK to become a registered charity, but also to continue supporting those living in poverty in South Africa - giving them a hand up to a better life.

I need all the encouragement and support - so please sponsor me - and help me get out of that plane in September!

Thank you

Love Jo x

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