Skydivers raise over £1,000 for sexual trauma charity

Two members of Sexual Trauma & Recovery Service (STARS Dorset) took a leap of faith last month and skydived to raise money for the vital charity.

On Friday 5 September, Hannah Thorneycroft, community SEND consent engagement worker, and Natasha Evans, adult independent sexual violence advisor, took on a thrilling 10,000ft tandem skydive at Salisbury Airfield.

In the process, the pair raised £1,145 for the charity. Alongside others who jumped on the day, the total amount raised was around £2,500.

Recalling her skydive, Thorneycroft said: “I had my eyes closed the whole time and got handed a sick bag around 2,000ft on the way down, but I know the others said the views were amazing and they had a great time.”

Evans said she really enjoyed the skydive and would love to do one again.

The pair leapt from the plane alongside two of STARS Dorset’s trauma teddies, knitted comfort bears normally given to clients for emotional support during incredibly difficult times, often accompanying both children and adults to court. They’ve become an important part of the charity’s care, offering reassurance during moments of extreme stress.

STARS Dorset offers one-to-one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender, who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual assault at any time in their lives. The charity provides several different types of support including an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service, Counselling, Group Work, and a Children and Young People’s Service.

Original article: Dorset View