Alzheimer's charity looking for skydivers to raise funds

The charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, has launched National Skydive Day, and is offering around 150 places across the country in eight different locations, including one in County Durham.

The jump will be at Peterlee Airfield in Shotton Colliery, at 8am on Saturday, June 4, and 20 places are up for grabs there.

Professional skydivers will help those jumping out of the plane at around 13,000ft.

Hilary Evans, chief executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Here at Alzheimer’s Research UK we know how hard living with dementia can be for those with the conditions and those around them.

“So we are asking people to step forward and do something extraordinary to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. “We are not only looking for thrill seekers but also those who perhaps have never done something as

brave as this before but want to try something new and raise money for a great cause.

“One in three people over 65 will die with some form of dementia. Currently more than 850,000 people in the UK have this terrible condition.

“The money raised from this event will make a real difference, bringing us ever nearer to finding new preventions and treatments through the world-class research we fund.”

Jumpers in County Durham will be asked to pay £195 for the jump, including a £35 deposit, and raise a minimum sponsorship of £205 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Those interested can sign up at http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/fundraising/skydive/.