A mum and daughter from Lancaster are taking on a parachute jump to raise funds to help adults with social anxiety.
Val and Rosie Baxter will in jump at the Black Knights Skydiving Centre at Cockerham in aid of local charity SAFE (Supportive Approachable Friendly Environment).
Val spent 45 years as a children’s nurse, working with children, young people and families across the NHS in many roles including ward sister in Manchester Children’s Hospital locally health visiting, Children in Care, Community Teams Leader and Community Matron.
She semi-retired four years ago and works as a Roald Dahl Transition Nurse Specialist for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust helping young people with complex health needs prepare for adulthood and the move children’s to adult health services.
LISTEN to Val talking about the jump
"Throughout my career I’ve encouraged others to embrace new challenges and believe in themselves," said Val.
"So I decided it was time to practise what I preach. Now I can’t run a marathon or swim the channel but maybe I can overcome my fear and jump out of an aeroplane.
"Hopefully I can raise awareness of the charity and encourage people to donate, volunteer or join a group.
"Even better, I get to do it with my amazing daughter, Rosie.
Val and Rosie
"We’re paying for the jump ourselves, so every penny donated goes to SAFE.
"We hope it will be a fantastic mother-and-daughter adventure while raising awareness of a charity.
"For the past year I’ve had the privilege of serving as chair of trustees for SAFE. I passionately believe in what SAFE does.
"It provides welcoming, non-judgemental spaces where people who are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, poor mental health or difficult life circumstances can simply belong."
SAFE is powered by dedicated volunteers who receive specialist training in safeguarding and mental health.
Together they create places where people feel accepted, valued and hopeful.
Donations will help SAFE continue providing early intervention, practical support and welcoming spaces for young people and adults across Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and the surrounding area.
You can donate HERE.
Val and Rosie were scheduled to do the jump on Sunday but it was postponed due to bad weather. They are now scheduled to jump on September 18 or October 18, weather permitting.
Val was our guest on The Beyond Mateo Show on Saturday (September 5). Val is pictured below with Mateo Sanderson from Beyond Radio.
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