A DAREDEVIL mum is urging others to follow in her slipstream and take the plunge for charity.

Catriona Moffat jumped from 10,000ft to raise cash for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF) earlier this summer.

The first-time skydiver took the plunge for the charity after two of her three children spent time in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

The nursing science student from Humbie said: “My daughter Gillian suffered from gastric problems as a child and, at the age of seven, she also did an accidental skydive of her own from the top of a tree, so it’s safe to say we were regular visitors to the hospital at one time.

“My youngest son Andrew, also received fantastic care.

“At just two weeks old he spent a week in the hospital battling febrile convulsion – a series of small seizures.

“The support provided by the foundation was crucial in keeping the family together and helping both kids make a full recovery.” Catriona grabbed the opportunity to give something back to the SKFF with both hands.

For the last 20 years, the charity has been helping parents and families of patients at the RHSC come through the challenging and stressful experience of hospital life.

Catriona added: “The main reason I took part in the skydive was to support all of the courageous little kids who need the support of SKFF every day.

“Skydiving may take a little courage but it’s nothing compared with what they face.” Now, the charity is encouraging others to follow in Catriona’s footsteps, with two skydives planned for next month at Fife Airfield, near Glenrothes.

After a morning of training, hardy volunteers will free fall down to 5,000 feet and ride the parachute back down to earth.

The brave mum-of-three added: “For anyone who would love to jump but is too scared I would say that it really is an fantastic experience and one you won’t regret!” To sign up to the Sick Kids skydive this September visit www.edinburghsickkids.org/events or call 0131 668 4949. Skydivers must pay a £75 non-refundable deposit and agree to raise £350 in sponsorship.

Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.