A Teesside woman terrified of flying faced her fears by jumping from a plane to raise thousands of pounds for a North East hospice.
Redcar woman Kelly Petts, 45, made the parachute jump for Teesside Hospice on Sunday, October 4, despite being "petrified" of flying.
The challenge has already helped raise almost £2,000 for the cause.
Kelly presenting a cheque to Teesside Hospice. (Image: Teesside Hospice)
Kelly said: "It’s the first time I’ve ever done a parachute jump, which wasn’t my best idea considering I’m petrified of flying.
"As the day got closer, I was definitely regretting volunteering myself.
"I don’t remember much after sitting strapped to my instructor with my legs dangling out of the door.
"I didn’t even open my eyes until just before the parachute opened. It was terrifying, but I’m glad I did it because it’s such an important cause.
"But would I do it again? Definitely not, and it definitely hasn’t cured my fear of flying."
Kelly Petts skydiving for Teesside Hospice. (Image: Teesside Hospice)
Kelly completed the jump with Sky-High Skydiving at Shotton Airfield in County Durham and has raised £958 through sponsorship so far, with hopes of passing the £1,000 mark.
Her fundraising efforts also secured a further £1,000 for the hospice through a BGF Foundation Community Grant.
Kelly took on the challenge after visiting Teesside Hospice through her employer TaperedPlus’s new corporate partnership with the charity.
Aman Chahal, co-founder and chief executive officer of Stockton-based TaperedPlus, said: "Our partnership is about our team getting involved and doing what they can to support the incredibly important work of Teesside Hospice.
"Kelly certainly led by example, although we might have to suggest a different fundraiser for her next time."
Flat-roofing and insulation specialist TaperedPlus began its Teesside Hospice partnership this summer, supporting the charity through fundraising and volunteering.
Matt Little, interim head of BGF Foundation, said: "We’re delighted to support TaperedPlus’s fundraising for Teesside Hospice with a Community Grant from the BGF Foundation.
"Kelly’s fantastic fundraising efforts show the difference people and businesses can make when they get behind organisations doing vital work in their local communities."
Teesside Hospice recently merged with Butterwick Hospice to help secure hospice services across Tees Valley and County Durham for the long term.
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- To donate and support Kelly's fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-petts?utm
Hassan Hameed, corporate partnerships manager at Teesside Hospice, said: "We’re always so thankful for our fundraisers, but the fact that Kelly was afraid of flying makes us even more grateful for the effort she went through.
"Raising just under £1,000 on her own, as well as securing a further grant for the hospice, is an enormous achievement and reflects the values and support of not only Kelly, but also the wider TaperedPlus team."
Teesside Hospice needs £7.5m each year to continue its work, with around 70 per cent coming from fundraising and other support.