A Neale Wade Academy student is preparing to jump out of a plane to raise money for a diabetes charity after seeing how the condition has affected her step dad.

Gemma Barrett, 17, will make the leap of faith along with other army cadets.

She has already raised around £700 thanks to a collection pot at the Purple Diamond Chinese restaurant in Station Road where she works and from fund raising at quiz nights she attends at the Cobblestones pub with her grandad.

Gemma said: “I decided to raise money for Diabetes UK as it is very close to my heart.

“I myself am not diabetic but my step dad has severe type one diabetes which has completely changed his life.

“He used to work full time as a security guard and was in the army but now is lucky if he can walk around the house most days.

“He is only 38 and is at risk of losing his legs due to diabetes.”

Gemma hopes to reach a target of £800 before making the Jump on October 8.