For this years World Rabies Day (28th September 2018), I will be launching myself out of a plane at 15,000ft and free-falling for over 60 seconds, with what can only be described as a giant handkerchief and (hopefully) a muscular hunk to keep me alive. The reason I’m doing this is to raise money and awareness to support global rabies elimination efforts. Despite being 100% preventable, rabies still kills 59,000 people each year and results in the inhumane and indiscriminate deaths of thousands more dogs.

The Charity I’m raising money for - Mission Rabies - has one aim: to eliminate rabies. Through mass vaccination campaigns and education programmes, the Charity has vaccinated over 738,825 dogs and delivered lifesaving lessons to 1,696,941 children in what is known as the world’s deadliest disease. The money raised will support the charity to continue making a direct impact in saving lives across the globe, whether through vaccination, education or surveillance.

I’m aware I am probably not the first person asking for a donation from you today, but donating just £5 will teach 10 children how to protect themselves against rabies; £15 will vaccinate and protect 10 dogs against rabies for a year, and £50 will equip a team of animal handlers with catching nets to safely and humanely catch and vaccinate stray dogs.

As beautiful as the sky is, falling through it isn’t my idea of a good time. I’m almost certain I will vomit mid-dive (apologies hunky instructor) or hit a bird on the way down. Yet despite being totally preventable, every day 100 children are dying from rabies in the most horrendous and uncomprehending way and if being out of my comfort zone helps to even marginally change that, then count me in!