AN Ipswich woman is overcoming her fears and taking the plunge to raise money for a Leukemia charity. Michelle Spooner, 30, of Rosehill Crescent, who admits to being terrified of heights, and her friend Michelle Cousins, 18, will both complete a tandem skydive at Old Buckenham Airfield, Norfolk, on Sunday.

AN Ipswich woman is overcoming her fears and taking the plunge to raise money for a leukaemia charity.

Michelle Spooner, 30, of Rosehill Crescent, who admits to being terrified of heights, and her friend Michelle Cousins, 18, will both complete a tandem skydive at Old Buckenham Airfield, Norfolk, on Sunday.

The jump will be in aid of The Anthony Nolan Trust, a charity that provides treatment and support to people with leukaemia and bone marrow disorders.

Michelle works as a hairdresser at Antonio Giovanni in Ipswich and said the idea came to her when skydiving instructor Geoff Tucker – who will accompany Michelle on her jump – came into the salon for a haircut. "Geoff said that if I could raise £300 in sponsorship I wouldn't have to pay for the jump" Michelle said.

"I used to know a boy at school who died of leukaemia. I turned 30 this year and I've always wanted to do something for charity. This seemed like a good way of doing something for charity and doing something for myself at the same time."

Because it is a tandem jump, Michelle hasn't needed any training so far. Instead she'll get a consultation an hour before the 10,000-foot jump and admitted to a few last minute nerves.

"I'm getting very nervous now" she said, "I'm petrified of heights".

The two Michelles are thrilled they have managed to raise more than £1,000 for The Anthony Nolan Trust so far.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the girls should contact Melvin Douglas at the Anthony Nolan Trust on 01473 674004.