Two local family support workers are preparing to take on a tandem skydive from 13,000 feet to raise money for disabled and neurodivergent children across the UK.

Donna Wicks, Family Support and Community Engagement Advisor from Hartshill, and Heather Evans, Family Support Worker from Newcastle-under-Lyme, are both members of the Family Support Team at Caudwell Children

On Saturday 17 October, the pair will jump from 13,000 feet at Skydive Tilstock in Prees, near Whitchurch, to help raise £2,000 for Caudwell Children.

They will be joined by Donna's daughter, Siana, her boyfriend Kian, and other supporters who've also signed up for the challenge.

For Donna, who runs a local Family Support Team at community hubs across Staffordshire, the skydive is important personally as well as professionally.

She said: "Families often tell us how alone they feel when they're trying to navigate their child's needs.

"Raising funds and awareness means we can continue offering support so that families know they aren't alone and have somewhere to turn."

Donna, who joined Caudwell Children on the same day as Heather almost three years ago, said her connection to the charity began long before she became an employee.

She said: "I first heard about Caudwell Children when they supported my nephew, Dylan Kelsall, with a powered wheelchair many years ago.

"That support enabled him to pursue his love of football."

While Donna is jumping from an aircraft over Shropshire, her nephew will be thousands of miles away representing England at the Powerchair Football World Cup in Argentina.

Donna said: "While he would've loved to watch me being hurled out of a plane, he has his own once-in-a-lifetime opportunity representing his country doing something he loves.

"Having the right support, whether for a physical disability or neurodivergence, can empower children to follow their dreams. I've seen that first-hand."

She added: "I'm nervous and excited. Being scared of heights means this is a huge challenge for me, but knowing Heather, Siana and Kian will be there alongside me makes a big difference. We'll all support each other."

For colleague Heather, completing a skydive is a long-held ambition.

"A tandem skydive has been on my to-do list for some time," she said.

"I'm really excited to be taking on the challenge for such an amazing charity. I'm looking forward to the views from 13,000 feet and the experience of freefalling through the sky."

The Family Support Worker also has a deeply personal connection to the cause, as her son was diagnosed with ADHD at age six.

Heather said: "Having experienced that journey as a parent, I understand how valuable it is for families to have access to support, advice and people who understand what they're going through."

She added: "Working with families now, I know that behind every request for support is a unique story.

"Combining my personal experience with my professional role makes this charity especially close to my heart."

The pair have already been busy organising events, including a charity curry night at Kismet in Hartshill, and raffle, to help reach their £2,000 target.

"We're certainly stepping outside our comfort zones," Heather added.

"But if we can help make a difference to children's lives along the way, it'll be completely worth it."

Kathryn Turner-Morgan, Challenges Manager at Caudwell Children, said: "Donna and Heather dedicate their working lives to supporting families of disabled and neurodivergent children.

"Their willingness to face one of their biggest personal challenges in aid of the charity demonstrates the incredible commitment and passion they bring to their roles every day. We're immensely proud of them and grateful to everyone who has supported their fundraising efforts."

To donate to Donna and Heather's challenge, visit the JustGiving page here.

To find out more about Caudwell Children, visit the website here.