A reporter from the East Grinstead Observer is preparing to take part in a skydive to raise money for a children’s charity.

Pippa Woolnough will jump from a plane at 12,000ft for the tandem dive, after being inspired by the work done by the Sussex Children’s Fire and Burn Trust.

The trust works with both East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services and the Peanut Ward at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, which treats children who have suffered scalds and burns, and sponsors children to go on activity holidays as well as undertaking prevention and fire safety work.

Pippa said: “The trust is organising the skydive and a local firefighter is taking part, so I said I would do a story about it and they said ‘hang on a minute, why don’t you do it too!’

“I really wanted to get involved with the charity so there couldn’t be a better reason to do it.”

Pippa will make the jump at Headcorn Parachute Club in Kent on August 31, and will receive a 45-minute briefing from an instructor before being kitted up and taking her spot on the plane.

She admits she is feeling a little nervous – and suffered her first panic attack after revealing her plans in the paper – but is comforted by the fact it will be a tandem jump.

She said: “I’ll be strapped to an expert so it won’t be my responsibility to pull the parachute cord!

“I’m really excited. I’m not too much of an adrenaline junkie so I’m looking forward to floating down and seeing the views from the air rather than the freefall.”

Pippa is hoping to raise at least £500 for the Sussex branch of the Children’s Fire and Burn Trust. If you would like to sponsor her go to www.justgiving.com/parachutingpippa