JUMPING out of a plane and abseiling down a huge building may sound like the exploits of superheroes - but two staff members at The Highcrest Academy in High Wycombe are doing exactly that in the name of charity.

First, Mandy Berry, a Learning Support Assistant at the school in High Wycombe, will skydive from an altitude of around 13,000 feet on May 23 in Brackley.

Then, her colleague, IT Technician Adrian Jones, will abseil down 127 metres at the National Lift Tower in Northampton on July 11.

Both challenges are to raise money for Wycombe Women’s Aid (WWA), which is Highcrest’s chosen charity this academic year. The charity supports women and children who are experiencing or trying to escape domestic violence and who are dealing with its effects and consequences.

So far, students and staff have raised about £1,200 for WWA in just over a term, but now Mrs Berry and Mr Jones want to push that already impressive figure into a sky-high amount with their sky-high exploits.

Mrs Berry, 52, explained: “Last year, I completed a Tandem Skydive from an altitude of around 13,000 feet for the mental health charity Mind. This year, my aim is to carry out this hair-raising challenge again on May 23, 2020 at Hinton Sky Dive, Brackley and raise as much money possible for Wycombe Women’s Aid.“Wycombe Women’s Aid works with women and children experiencing or trying to escape domestic violence and dealing with its effects and consequences. It also aims to improve the lives of every woman and child to remain safe. I am absolutely petrified of heights but this is worth it if it raises money for such a great cause.”

She added in an appeal on her justgiving page: “Your tax-deductible gift will help to make a difference in the lives of many vulnerable women and children.”

Mr Jones said: “For me, this is such a valuable charity to support. As a strong supporter of women’s rights and respecting their worth, freedom and abilities to prosper, it is incredibly upsetting to hear and see not just in this country but around the world how some women and children are badly

treated.

“I believe all women around the world deserve kindness, respect and the opportunity to do good things that would enrich their lives for the better. All women and children have the right to feel safe whether in their own homes or when out and about.”

In 2017, Mr Jones completed a 97 metre abseil at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

He is now looking forward to abseiling an even longer distance in July at the National Lift Tower.

He added: “Please donate and support this wonderful charity who do so much in safeguarding women and children in our community.”

Megan, a youth worker from WWA, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the staff at The Highcrest Academy for their amazing efforts to raise money for Wycombe Women’s Aid. Their efforts will contribute towards our essential services for women and children experiencing domestic violence and we are incredibly thankful to The Highcrest Academy students and staff for their continued support.”

If you would like to support Mrs Berry and Mr Jones and raise money for Wycombe Women’s Aid, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HCATeamExtreme