A 45-year-old extreme sports fanatic took a leap of faith for charity by jumping out of a plane and plummeting 13,500ft in a tandem skydive.

Nicky Winch, from Battersea, raised more than £2,600 for Alzheimer’s Research UK during the fundraising stunt in Florida.

Ms Winch, who works for Capgemini Consulting, took the plunge as part of her employer’s year-long campaign to boost funds for the UK’s leading dementia research charity - aiming to raise £25,000 this year.

She said: " I love extreme sports so doing a skydive was the perfect challenge for me - what an incredible experience. It gave me the ideal opportunity to raise desperately needed money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, a charity very close to my heart as my mum, Irene, has dementia.

"Mum is 75 and was diagnosed with dementia three years ago - a condition that’s developed as a result of her long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

"My dad looks after her at home but it’s a big strain as she needs 24-hour attention. Despite all the love and care, dementia overwhelms everything and we’d dearly love to see better forms of diagnosis, new treatments and a cure.

"Given half the chance, I’d do the skydive all over again to raise even more money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

"I was extremely nervous when I went up in the plane, my mouth became dry and my heart was pounding. But once I jumped I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s great to know we’re all pulling together at Capgemini Consulting to raise money for pioneering dementia research."

To add to Nicky’s efforts donate online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NickyWinch or call the charity’s fundraising team on 01223 843899.