Petrified of heights – but Karen will be jumping from an aircraft at 15,000ft for a worthy cause
A COURAGEOUS mum-of-four who is “petrified of heights and hates flying” is determined to conquer her fears – by leaping from an aircraft at 15,000ft.
Karen Royle is asking people to donate to her fundraising challenge as she prepares for her tandem skydive at the Black Knights Parachute Centre at Cockerham in Lancaster on Sunday, March 13 – the day of her 59th birthday.
While she is anxious about her skydive, Karen says it is nowhere near as terrifying as it is for domestic abuse sufferers to walk away from abusive relationships with nothing.
Karen is originally from Manchester, but moved to Southport 19 years ago.
She said: “I’m doing the skydive for domestic refuge, hoping to raise £500. I’ve spent time in a refuge myself with my four kids, years ago, so this is something very close to me.
“I have a JustGiving page where people can donate, while Total Timber on Stephenson Way in Formby also has a collection box going.
“I’m doing a skydive for a refuge which helps people fleeing from domestic violence. This is very close to my heart and I would appreciate any support.
”I am raising awareness for domestic abuse by doing a skydive. I am petrified of heights and I hate flying. Any donation is very much appreciated!”
For 5ft 1in Karen, throwing herself from an aircraft at 15,000ft is going to be a daunting challenge.
She said: “I work as a cleaner and I go dizzy climbing ladders! I hate flying as well. I decided on a skydive because I wanted to do something that would push me.
“Imagine walking out of a relationship or a marriage with absolutely nothing – it must be the scariest thing in the world, as I know from experience.
“So I chose a skydive because to me that is the scariest thing I could think of and it’s about jumping, taking that leap of faith.
“I’m not dreading it at the moment but I’m sure at the beginning of March, then my stomach will start playing havoc.
“I’m only five foot one inch tall and I’m absolutely petrified!
“My daughter, who is profoundly deaf, went to the Birkdale School for the Hearing Impaired.
“I started work as a cleaner and I now live in Formby where I still work as a cleaner.
“At Christmas 2020, along with another lady, we made up 20 hampers that were then donated to people in need.
“This year I have decided to do a skydive to raise money for charity. This is a really personal thing to me.”
To donate to Karen Royle’s fundraiser please visit her JustGiving page Skydive For #TeamRefuge in 2022: https://bit. ly/3rDuGLv