Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. .

I'VE FINALLY DONE IT!! On Sunday the 14th January 2007, after 5 months of waiting, I jumped out of a plane at 13,500ft. This was level 1 of the AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) parachute course. Once I'd managed to get over my fear, I edged to the door of the plane with my two instructors then launched myself into the air! There was about 45 seconds of freefall in which I had to perform some drills in order for the instructors to see that I knew what I was doing! It did not feel like I was falling at all but was very very loud! At 6,000ft I pulled the toggle and thankfully my parachute opened correctly to give me about 4 minutes of flying before I had to land! The landing was quite fast and ended in me tumbling into a crop of something in the wrong field! Oops. This could not have been avoided though as the wind was carrying me too far. I did get an offroad ride back to the parachute centre which added to the experience!

I have a fantastic DVD to remember this achievement and if any of you would like to see it please let me know.

The best part of this experience has been that it has enabled me to raise a fantastic amount of money for the Shalom Centre in Arequipa, Peru. I am amazed at everyone's generosity and can say that I know the money is really needed and appreciated. Many many thanks to everyone who has supported me and the Shalom Centre.

Shalom is a centre for children with disabilities where my sister Esme is developing the rehabilitation service.

The Shalom centre, set in the Andean Highlands of Southern Peru, is an  exciting new project of the well -respected international school in Arequipa. The project seeks to work with children with disabilities and their families. With minimal government provisions for children with special needs the Shalom centre is reaching out to those who most need support. In a new purpose built centre there is a small special educational unit where this April the first 4 students started their courses. Three days a week about 12 other children come along to the centre with their moms. During the day they receive therapy and the moms mutually encourage and support one another. Without a project such as Shalom these children are abandoned by society and shut away in their homes.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Latin Link will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. All monies raised will go to Latin Link and not towards my parachute jump, as I am paying for this myself.

Please dig deep and sponsor me online to support this exciting and most valuable project.

Many thanks for your support.