A CHARITY team took a giant leap to raise funds to support people with disabilities across the county.

The group, from Genesis Orwell Mencap, jumped 13,000 feet from a plane during a sponsored tandem skydive.

Ten employees from the charity, including new recruit Stacie Chenery, took on the skydive at Beccles Airfield – raising £3,000 towards a new minibus.

Stacie, 22, is an administration apprenticeship who has been with Genesis less than a month.

She said: “It was amazing, especially the free fall, and I wasn’t nervous at all.

“In fact, we all enjoyed it so much we’ve decided to do it again next year to try and raise even more money.”

Over the past few months, Genesis Orwell Mencap staff and clients have been busy raising funds towards the minibus, including holding car washes and raffles. The charity’s suppliers – including Genesis PR, Digtital Copier Systems, Essex Kilns and Hafele UK Ltd – have also made donations.

Nino Serritiello, chief executive at Genesis Orwell Mencap, said: “The team were brilliant, stepping right outside their job descriptions to complete the jump.

“We had a great turnout to watch the jump and we are now well on the way towards raising the £25,000 needed for the minibus so a big thank you to everyone who took part.”

To support the team, visit mydonate.bt.com/charities/genesisorwellmencap or call Genesis on 01473 723888.