A NURSE is planning to leap out of a plane from 10,000ft to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Askam's Laura Henley, who works at Furness General Hospital, has set a target of £430 to raise for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Miss Henley works on the Ramsey Dementia Unit at Dane Garth, based at FGH.

She has picked the Alzheimer’s Society because she witnesses first-hand the terrible impact the disease has on people.

She said: “I work in the Ramsey Dementia Assessment Unit at Dane Garth in Furness General Hospital and I see daily what dementia is like, the effect it has on people and families.

“That is the main reason why I chose to raise money for the charity.

“I know it is for a very good cause and I want to help the charity out in any possible way.”

Miss Henley has worked at Dane Garth for four years and added she cannot wait for the dive on May 25.

She will complete several activities throughout the run up including losing two stone in order to complete the dive and taking part in a long hike.

“I can’t wait to do it, I have never done anything like this before, I didn’t even realise you had to be a certain weight,” she said.

“I have never been on a rollercoaster before, so jumping out of a plane is a big step up but I am very excited.”

Miss Henley has added that the support from friends and family has been positive and she hopes to receive a lot of backing on an online fundraising page, which she set up last week.

She said: “The support I have had from friends and family has been amazing.

“I have a very supporting group of people in my life and they will all be coming to watch me.

“I hope to reach my target and raise as much money as possible.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

More than 520,000 people in the UK have dementia caused by the disease, and the Alzheimer’s Society says the figure is on the rise.

To support Laura’s skydive, go to www.gofundme.com/laura-skydive-for-alzheimers