Daredevil Amy leaps out of plane at 13,000ft to raise money for hospice

Our Clacton-on-Sea store's community champion Amy Openshaw took to the skies and jumped out of a plane at 13,000ft to raise money for the hospice which cared for her mum Julie.

Daredevil Amy – who has so far raised £600 – said: "Last year my mum sadly lost her long battle with cancer. During her final weeks she was lucky enough to be cared for at Havens Hospice in Southend.

"As a family we spent lots of time there. The staff we absolutely fantastic and I can’t thank them enough. I decided to do something to raise money to give a little back.

"I didn't know what to do at first so I thought I would try something a bit different – I am a bit crazy!

The tandem skydive with instructor Danny French took place at UK Parachuting near Great Yarmouth.

Amy said: "There were five of us in the plane doing the tandem skydives. We got a ten-minute briefing on what to expect and then it was up to you.

"It was just an absolutely amazing experience. The views up there were the most beautiful I have seen. When the parachute opened after the freefalll it was just so quiet. Seeing the pictures of me I just look so happy – it was a euphoric feeling.

Store manager Jason Walker says Amy is "an inspiration to us all".

He said: "It was an amazing achievement for her to go up there and do that. She took the bull by the horns and didn't falter. She loved it and now wants to do it again. Everyone here is so proud of her."