TEAM members of a unique daycare centre near Andover are getting ready to skydive from 15,000 feet to raise money for the organisation and create awareness about it.

Four supporting members of James’ Place, in Penton Mewsey, which looks after adults with disabilities, will take the big dive on March 19 with the support of GoSkydive in Salisbury.

The target is to create awareness about James’ Place and raise money for two awnings for the patio and various other adapted gardening items.

The ‘Jump Team’ consists of Jo Mortoin, Mary Traynor, Sarah Tushingham and Hester Killick.

Guy Rolfe, who runs the daycare, said: “We have been going for 10 years, and just can’t keep up with demand for our service.

“We provide a fluid-structure to our days, so structure without the restriction and everything is based around holistic learning. We support 30+ adults throughout the week, and now that summer is approaching we would like to complete what we started before Covid. Sadly, we lost two other businesses that financially supported James’s Place, and so we are just getting ourselves back on track again.”

James’s Place offers day opportunities, enabling its members to build confidence and develop social and life skills, through a variety of experiences.

Although Guy, 41, is sad that he can’t participate in the dive, he is excited for his team members.

“I’m too tall and heavy to do the skydive,” he said.

“But I’m very happy for my team because they are doing something that I always wanted to do. It’s going to be nice because they are raising money for people so that they get all the opportunities that we do.

“Using the money, we will buy equipment so that people with disabilities can access the kitchen garden. Some of them can’t get out of their chairs. The special equipment will help them grow vegetables sitting from their chairs.”

James’ Place is aiming to raise at least £2,000, but would love to get over the £3,000 mark.

If you would like to contribute to the fundraiser, click here.

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