Brave locals skydive to raise funds for local Autism group

Successful Skydivers: Back left-right Catherine Griffin, Michelle Laverty & Olwen Bleakley. Middle row from left-right Jason McClure, Mark McGimpsey, Michaela Phillips, Aaron Heasley, Julie Wilson, Lisa McCusker, Nicola Williams, Lee Heasley, Shree Nesbitt and Robert McCorkindale.

A GROUP of brave local people have jumped out of a plane to raise funds for the Autism NI Lisburn Branch.

Despite a murky May morning Lisa McCusker enjoyed swopping her usual day job as receptionist at Natural Hair in the city to become a daredevil for the weekend.

Lisa said: "It was a fantastic experience and for a great cause, the weather was touch and go and at one stage we thought we weren't going to be able to do it, but the sky cleared and it was a brilliant, thrilling experience."

Anne Hayward, event organiser and fundraiser for the group who is also mum of child with Autism said: "It was a fantastic morning and I am so grateful to everyone who completed the jump. I would like to pay tribute to Trevor McCormick and Debbie Pyper who weren't able to make it on the day but brought in fantastic amounts for our charity and raised awareness for the hidden and often misunderstood disability that is Autism."

Every year over 300 children in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with Autism and this figure is set to steadily increase in the future. All funds raised by Autism NI remain within Northern Ireland and are used to improve the lives of those affected by this hidden disability.

Michaela Phillips, Nicola Williams, Deborah Gibson and Paul Gibson suited, booted and ready for their skydive.	Keira Hoey with her parachute.

The skydive raised £3362 for the branch's eagerly anticipated summer programme of events.

To find out more about Autism you can contact Autism NI on (028) 9040 1729 or visit www.autism.html.

Ulster Star
20/11/2011