Perth worker Louisa to jump for Quarriers

Nov 13 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A SELF-CONFESSED adrenalin junkie is taking part in a sponsored parachute jump this weekend – despite being afraid of heights!

Thirty-one-year-old Louisa Jacobs, business development manager with Horsecross in Perth, will launch herself out of an aircraft flying at 10,000 ft on Sunday.

She will then freefall at 120mph before ‘hitting the silk’ and floating gently down to earth.

That’s the plan, anyway. And Louisa is praying that there are no last-minute hitches.

She is raising money for Quarriers, a Scottish charity which supports and cares for thousands of children and families who have physical, mental or emotional difficulties.

“Charities like Quarriers make such a difference,” explained Louisa yesterday.

“The people they help simply want to be able to take part in and enjoy normal everyday life. People's lives are made bearable – often they are completely transformed.

“But in these difficult times, this is getting harder and harder and financial support is dwindling.”

The charity has projects in 100 locations across Scotland and last year saw their first south of the border – in Bath.

They also work in partnership with projects in Moscow and Nepal.

“I worked in the mental health field for three years and I am quite passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting charities that do such good work,” added Louisa.

“My New Year's resolution was to raise £1,000 for the charity. So far, with a little help from my friends, I have raised approx £480, thanks to a zip ride across the Tay and a charity pub quiz.

“And if I can make £520 from the jump, which is taking place at Errol, thanks to Skyline Events, it will probably be the first New Year's resolution I have ever kept!

“I’m absolutely petrified at the thought. So, thankfully, they’re not letting me do this alone.

“It’s a tandem jump – so there will be no opportunity for me to have a last-minute change my mind.

“Just as well, really, because I’m not a fan of heights!”

Big-hearted locals can still sponsor Louisa – donations can be made up to a month after the jump.

They can be made on-line at: http://www.justgiving.com/Lou-is-jumping-for-joy. Cash or cheque donations can also be made. E-mail lou_ecosse@live.co.uk for further details.