An intrepid duo are planning to drop everything - including themselves - to raise money for two causes close to their hearts.
Jim Gray and Jen Cohen are taking the plunge to help the Darlington-based HC Vocal and Performance Academy by taking part in a fundraising skydive from 15,000 ft.
The money they raise from the stunt will be divided between the academy in the centre of Darlington and The Great North Air Ambulance Service.
On Sunday (April 21), Jim, father of academy owner Holly Clifford, and Jen, North East Ambulance staff member and the parent of a child at the academy, will take a leap of faith, which they hope will raise thousands of pounds.
A passionate community of parents and children, the academy’s learners run from the ages of two to 18 and are taught an extensive selection of theatre skills.
Performances have included ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Matilda’ as well as their most recent production ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Tickets for their next production ‘Frozen’ in late June can be purchased from www.ticketsource.co.uk/hc-vocal-and-performance-academy
Speaking to The Northern Echo, Holly highlighted the passion of the students at the academy, adding: “Some kids are there up to four to six days a week – they eat, sleep and breathe it.”
After creating the academy two years ago and setting up at Aspen House only a year ago, Holly now boasts more than 80 students, all with a passion for the arts.
She said: “I started the academy to try to create what I never got as a child – a place to give opportunities to the kids.
“We’ve performed at Blackpool Tower Ballroom and Old Trafford - and we did a lot with the Rugby World Cup in Newcastle.”
Holly said these expanding opportunities have highlighted the need for further funding.
“The shows we put on cost a lot of money, we have a live band and a full set gets made," she said.
“We’re looking to start with the kitchen. The kids spend a lot of time here and we would like to be able to give them healthy food. It would also help parents rushing home to feed them.”
The idea for the sky-diving fundraiser came from Jen and Jim, who both were passionate about raising funds for the academy’s upcoming production – even if it meant jumping out of a plane.
Jen spoke of the importance of services like The Great North Air Ambulance, saying: “I see first-hand the effect it has with people’s lives”.
Jen, Holly and Jim said they all agreed “within seconds” to include The Great North Air Ambulance in their fundraiser, with the total raised split between the service and the academy.
Their original goal stood at £1,000, which they quickly reached. Since then, they have continued to extend their target as they now look to cross the £3,000 mark.
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Holly said: “I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even think we would hit a thousand.
“I’m just so unbelievably proud at how far it has come.”
Donations remain open for the fundraiser, with Jen and Jim set to take the ultimate leap of faith this Sunday (April 21) in Peterlee. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/darlington-sponsored-skydive
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