Skydiving charity leader raises £15,000

5:00pm Friday 29th February 2008

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SKYDIVER Anne Mawdsley is smiling through the aches and pains after her latest daredevil challenge.

Mrs Mawdsley, aged 65, experienced free falling the equivalent of three sky dives, from an aircraft at 10,000 feet, in just two minutes.

The challenge took place in a specially-constructed wind tunnel at Airkix in Milton Keynes.

Mrs Mawdsley was joined by fellow skydivers broadcaster Nick Ross and Olympic gold medal swimmer David Wilkie.

Nick and David are patrons of the Alsager-based Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association, of which Mrs Mawdsley is the chief executive.

The sponsored skydive raised more than £15,000 for the association, and was a major challenge for Mrs Mawdsley, who has both Raynaud's and Scleroderma.

"I was determined to raise money for research by whatever means," said Mrs Mawdsley.

"My consultant told me that jumping from a plane would not be good for my lungs.

"Indoor skydiving was my compromise, and it was an amazing experience.

"Although I ache from head to toe following the event it was worth it to know that I can fly while raising a substantial amount of money for research.

"Nick and David thoroughly enjoyed taking part!"

Mrs Mawdsley has raised money for the associaton by swimming with sharks, doing a bobsleigh run and being a passenger in a rally car.

Raynaud's affects up to 10 million people in the UK, and affects the blood supply to the extremities.

The money raised by the skydive will be used for research, and to contact the charity ring 01270-872776.