Ten Portsmouth High School girls recently skydived from a plane to raise funds, and awareness, for the Wessex branch of Breast Cancer Haven on its first birthday.
The girls joined staff members from the branch on a tandem skydive with GoSkydive.
The Haven is a charity that the girls have chosen to support this year. Breast Cancer Haven provides one-to-one support for thousands of breast cancer patients in the UK, with centres in London, Wessex, Hereford, Worcester and Yorkshire. The team works closely with NHS partners to go beyond medical treatment and help visitors and their families cope with the wider impact of breast cancer through free personalised, specialist care. Breast Cancer Haven addresses everything from nutrition, financial advice and counselling, to exercise and supportive therapies.
“The Haven has helped so many people overcome the struggles of cancer, so it’s crucial we support such a cause,” said Deputy Head Girl Sayeeda Nur. “Breast Cancer Haven is a non-government funded charity, so it needs people like you and me, to help keep its fantastic cause alive.
“It was such a surreal experience to jump out of a plane, from an altitude of 10,000ft, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph as we freefell for approximately 30 seconds. I hope to do again, but perhaps from a little higher next time. It was so rewarding to fundraise so much money (almost £5,000), before our annual charity week starts,” she added.
Portsmouth High School has been holding its Charity Week for more than 25 years and it is always run entirely by the Sixth Form. The week is includes a fancy dress parade and talent show and culminates in a two night Fashion Show run entirely by the pupils.
“We’ve got such an array of talent in the school and it is a great opportunity for girls to be performing in front of their peers at the same time as raising awareness and much needed funds for The Haven,” said Head Girl Genevieve Wilks.
