Making a leap for children's charity

A woman overcame her fear of heights to bungee jump 160ft to raise money for the Children’s Heart Federation.

Miss Jemma Kirkham, 34, of South Muskham, is raising money for children’s charities after her son, Cody, was stillborn last year, 27 weeks into the pregnancy, after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

There are just 450 known cases of tricuspid valve dysplasia with severe regurgitation.

On Saturday, Miss Kirkham completed the first of her fundraising efforts — a bungee jump in London — a year to the day that Cody’s headstone was erected.

Miss Kirkham, mother to Mitchell, 12, and Taylor, 5, said: “I am so overwhelmed with the support and donations from my friends and family.

“I’m scared of heights but I conquered them.

“It’s an experience that I won’t be repeating in a hurry but I’m so proud of myself for doing it.

“You get help when you are pregnant but I found that I was offered very little after Cody was stillborn and challenging myself to raise money is my way of coping.”

Miss Kirkham raised £275 through her justgiving online page and has sponsorship forms to collect in.

She has several other fundraising ideas including a bring-and-buy picnic and a calendar featuring Miss Kirkham, her family and friends.

They will be photographed naked with cars and motorcycles shielding their modesty.

Miss Kirkham is looking for a showroom willing to be the location for the shoot.

Any motor dealership willing to help can contact Miss Kirkham through the Advertiser newsdesk on 01636 681234.