A courageous carer is jumping out of a plane from 15,000ft to raise money for the charity which looks after the teenager she supports.
Chelsea Morris, 28, from Bolton, is undertaking the daring feat to raise money for Chorley-based Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The cause is one close to her heart because of the help it has given to Amélie, who she has cared for for the past three years.
Amélie has a rare genetic disorder that means she can’t hear or speak, and that her vision is often impaired.
She also has a tracheostomy – an opening created at the front of her neck for a tube connected to her windpipe – to help her breathe.
She has been coming to Derian House for respite visits since she was six-years-old and enjoys her independence and spending time with friends while her family has a rest.
Not only does Chelsea care for Amélie but she is also a Teaching Assistant at Amélie’s school, Thomasson Memorial in Bolton, and in the past year has begun to have one-to-one learning sessions with her.
Chelsea has taken on extra training courses, including tracheostomy training and tube feeding, so that she can better support Amélie’s needs.
Chelsea said: “After seeing all the fantastic things that Derian provides for young people, I knew I had to put my name down for the Dive for Derian skydive.
“I’m very nervous about doing it, but knowing everything Derian has done for Amélie, and other young people like her, has really pushed me to go for it.
“I became Amélie’s personal assistant gradually and would look after her for a few hours after school and some weekends. She is such a happy girl!
“Amélie has a great sense of humour and she brings joy to every room she steps foot in. She enjoys walks in the parks and loves to visit the farm with me, we have some great days out!
“I want to raise as much as I can so that Derian can continue to support its young people and their families, just like Amélie’s, so please donate if you can!”
Kerry Pritchard, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “The care we provide is free for families, but services cost £5.7 million to run every year with only 17% of funding we need coming from the government.
“We are so grateful that Chelsea has chosen to raise money for us and think she’s very brave!”
Last year 78 brave people jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet to raise money for the hospice, raising almost £50,000 with their acts of bravery.
Chelsea will take the leap on Sunday, 26 June. Help her reach her fundraising goal: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Chelsea-Morris6
Read Amélie’s story: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/Amélie/
