Being scared of heights failed to halt Sherrie Steane from Burnham-On-Sea leaping out of a plane at 15,000ft to raise funds for Secret World Wildlife Rescue this week.
Brave Sherrie was persuaded to take the plunge by her boyfriend, Simon Butson, who had long harboured an ambition to try skydiving.
However, Sherrie, 22, only agreed to join him if it meant she could raise money for Secret World.
By overcoming her fears for what she said was the “most terrifying and amazing experience of her life”, Sherrie has raised £240 for the centre, where her mum, Lorraine Goss, used to help out as a volunteer.
Sherrie told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I’m a bit scared of heights and a bit scared of flying but Simon had always wanted to have a go at skydiving.”
“In the aircraft I was quite nervous but my instructor – who was also called Simon – was great.”
“We jumped in tandem and were the last to leave the plane for about a minute of freefall and then about six minutes with the parachute. It was amazing and gave a real adrenalin rush.”
Sherrie works as an awarding body administrator at Somerset Skills and Learning while Simon, a printer operator, now hopes to repeat the adventure next year.
Secret World founder Pauline Kidner said: “We are amazed at the dedication of people like Sherrie, who take their fears and use them to raise money for the care of wildlife. Every penny helps us to save lives, so well done Sherrie!”
Pictured: Sherrie and Simon during their skydive and back on the ground
