2022-09-21 16:01:53
Intrepid teenager takes a 15,000 feet leap of faith in aid of charity
A 16-year-old A-level student from Somerset took a leap of faith from 15,000 feet last weekend as she participated in a charity skydive to raise money for adults with a learning disability and/or autism.
Becca Randolph from Chaffcombe near Chard in Somerset has raised more than £750 for national learning disability charity Hft by taking part in her first skydive at Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton on Sunday, 18 September.
Becca’s mum, Kathy, works for Hft as Head of Finance, while her cousin, Ollie, is autistic so she wanted to help both of them raise money for the charity, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
“I absolutely loved it,” she says of parachuting through the clouds. “While I will generally give most things a go, I thought I would be terrified on the day, but I wasn’t as I knew that there were lots of other people doing the same thing. Part of Hft’s 60th birthday celebrations is to organise for 60 people to do a skydive during the month of September, so I wasn’t alone!” she says.
Becca, who is studying Biology, PE, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics and Maths at college, loves all sports, with her favourite being hockey. She plays for her college, Taunton Vale club and also represents Somerset at county level.
“I was recently fortunate enough to pilot a helicopter, complete my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and can be found as often as possible surfing at Woolacombe,” says the intrepid teenager.
If you would like to help Becca continue to raise money for Hft, please visit her JustGiving page.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
