A Shropshire trainee solicitor is taking the plunge – a skydive from 13,000ft to be precise – to raise cash for the Shropshire Star’s appeal to fund a medic for the County Air Ambulance.

Stephanie Powers, who works at Martin Kaye, Euston Way, Telford, said: “I had a skydive bought for me for Christmas by my partner James Poole because it was something I’ve wanted to do for a while.

“I was thinking about possibly doing a jump for charity, rather than just doing a jump, and then I saw the Flying Doctor Appeal and thought maybe I could raise some money for that.”

Stephanie, who is 26 and lives in Wombourne, has never done a parachute jump before.

“I did a bungee jump when I was in Ayia Napa with my friends,” she said. “I think it was only about 300ft and I really enjoyed that.”

The jump is booked for July 21 at the Skydive centre near Whitchurch.

“I was a little bit nervous to start with, but I’m really looking forward to it now,” said Stephanie.

Meanwhile a plastic duck race held as part of an annual fete at Neenton, near Bridgnorth, was a super success, and some of the proceeds are on their way to our appeal – the exact amount is not yet known.

Bobbie Jarvis, of the organising team, said: “What a day we had! The weather was beautiful and there were about 300 people who came during the afternoon and evening.

“The duck race was completed in record time, thanks to Tony Garratt who set up a splendid course and made sure the water was available behind the ducks.

“Claire Mottershead, who has organised the duck race for many years, celebrated her 80th birthday the week before and this was marked by a cake and ‘happy birthday’ being sung. First duck home was won by Mr F Griffiths from Bridgnorth.”

• Read our appeal stories here and print off a donation form so you can send us any cash you have raised.
• Have you got something planned to support our Flying Doctor Appeal? Then don’t forget to let us know about it so we can highlight your effort. Drop a line to: Toby Neal, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire TF1 5HU, phone (01952) 241458, or e-mail tneal@shropshirestar.co.uk