SIXTH form student and self-confessed vertigo sufferer Ether Pritchard is putting her fears aside as she takes a leap of faith for charity.

The 18-year-old, who is in her final year at Winterbourne International Academy, is taking part in sponsored skydive in aid of mental health charity Mind.

Esther will jump out of a plane at a 10,000 feet in an adrenaline-fuelled stunt she said she wanted to do to raise money for the cause close to her heart and challenge herself at the same time.

She said: “I want to experience this and to push myself to do things that aren't necessarily in my normal comfort zone.

“I would like to raise as much as I can to support this charity.

“I am hoping to raise between £700 and £1,000 if not more. If anyone would like to sponsor me, any donations would be fantastic.”

Esther will make the jump on Saturday, October 4 and said she chose Mind as she has friends with mental health issues.

“This charity is personal to me on different levels for example I know friends that have mental health issues and are in the process of trying to recover,” she said.

“Seeing how much it has affected them and those around them highlighted the importance that people need to understand mental health more to allow them to help them in their recovery.”

She added: “There is still a stigma and discrimination associated with mental health which still needs to be further addressed.

“People still find it very hard to admit that they are experiencing a mental health-related problem as well as finding, asking for and accepting help.”

Due to a cycling accident the original June date for the skydive was delayed until Esther was physically fit to take part again.

The teenager has already raised £500. To make a donation go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and type Esther Bown Pritchard in the ‘sponsor your friend’ box on the right of the homepage.