Daredevil fundraiser jumps from 10,000ft to raise cash

Daring Zoe Dale hurtles towards the ground at over 100 miles an hour after jumping out of an aeroplane to raise £1,000 in aid of her grandad.
Zoe back on the ground with granddad Gordon WhiteheadZoe back on the ground with granddad Gordon Whitehead
Zoe back on the ground with granddad Gordon Whitehead

The brave 19-year-old completed the tandem skydive strapped to an instructor to raise money for Wheatley Hill Day Centre where her grandad Gordon Whitehead goes three times a week.

Zoe, from Shotton, got to kill two birds with one stone when she jumped from 10,000 feet.

Zoe during her skydiveZoe during her skydive
Zoe during her skydive
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She said: “I have always wanted to do it for a cause but was not sure on what, but when my grandad started to go to the day centre they have been so supportive and I wanted to give them something back.

“The experience was amazing, I am so glad I could give something back to a very special place close to my family for the amount of support they have given to my family and grandad.

“I would do it again to take it all it.”

Mr Whitehead uses the day centre, which is part of the Greatham-based Hospital of God’s demential services, three days a week.

Zoe perched on the edge of the aeroplane before her 10,000 ft skydiveZoe perched on the edge of the aeroplane before her 10,000 ft skydive
Zoe perched on the edge of the aeroplane before her 10,000 ft skydive

Zoe, who works at East Durham College in management information systems and as exams assistant, said it helps to get him out of the house and also give his wife Janet Whitehead a little break including a support worker taking her on days out.

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She said: “Whenever you need someone to talk to the staff are always there. Every time my grandad comes back from the day centre he has a smile on his face, this makes us feel very happy seeing him happy.”

She presented a cheque for the money she raised from the skydive to the centre’s senior carer Andrea Abdy who thanked Zoe for her support.

The money will go towards paying for new activities in the day centre and for outings for day guests.

Zoe during her skydiveZoe during her skydive
Zoe during her skydive

Zoe added: “I was over the moon for the amount of money I raised.

“I would not have been able to raise that much if it wasn’t for family, friends, colleges and donations.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone for the support.”