Brave skydive in aid of disabled kids

Mel Bassett, who works at the Mansfield Road Co-op, in Skegby, raised £450 for the company’s annual charity Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children.

Mel said: “Newlife is a great charity and I wanted to do something special for all the kids that are helped by our staff-elected charity.

“Due to weight restrictions for the jump, I started a diet so I could go through with it and I lost nearly a stone to perform the jump.

“My motto is, if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try and I am so happy I did it.

“It was totally amazing, fun, exciting and scary all at the same time. I loved every minute.”

As part of Mel’s efforts, colleagues and customers got involved in raising the cash.

Prizes were donated for a raffle seeing customers claiming a whole host of prizes and colleagues, family and friends also dug deep and sponsored Mel to take the terrifying leap at SkyDive Langar.

She added: “I’d like to thank my colleagues, family members and customers from Mansfield Road food store for their support and encouragement and for helping me to help Newlife.”

Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is dedicated to providing guidance and practical support for children with disabilities and their families. Although Newlife is a national charity, every penny raised by Central England Co-operative is helping children in the society’s trading area.

So far, the partnership has raised £1.2 million and helped fund specialist disability equipment for more than 530 children.

Newlife head of operations, Stephen Morgan said: “Well done Mel! She joins a growing band of Central England Co-operative colleagues who have taken that leap of faith to raise vital funds to help families in the Society’s retail area.

“Every penny counts – and Mel’s £450 will help make a significant difference to the everyday life of a disabled child. Thank you.”

To find out more about the Newlife Foundation Disabled Children visit www.newlifecharity.co.uk.