A COLLEAGUE inspired by the bravery of a little girl was courageous enough to step out of a plane in her name.

Net Franklin works alongside Adam Eastman at Timberstore in Roche. Adam, and his wife Jenny Hales, from St Cleer, are parents to five-year-old Amelia, whose story featured in the Cornish Times earlier this year.

Amelia has cystic fibrosis, but despite challenging symptoms and the need to take great care with food and medication, she’s able to lead a normal school life thanks to the dedication of her teachers. After her entire school wore yellow to raise funds for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Net decided to take action.

“I knew a little bit about Cystic Fibrosis before and I knew Adam’s daughter was ill, and we’d had a little chat about it,” said Net.

“I then read about the Yellow Day at St Cleer School and I was thinking I needed to do something to help.”

Net, who’s 52, has raised £1,590 and counting after her adrenalin-filled day at Dunkeswell Airfield.

“It was my first skydive and I was extremely nervous!” she said.

“The freefall was scary. It was like when you open a window and get a massive gust of air in your face for a whole minute. As soon as the parachute opened it was amazing. It was fun, but I don’t think I could do that again. I think I’ll stick to quieter forms of fundraising!

“Customers and friends have given generously to the Just Giving site.”

Amelia’s mum Jenny describes Net as ‘wonderful’ for having leapt from 15,000 feet for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and for getting up at 4am on the day of the skydive

“We are so grateful to Net for all her efforts in raising more money and awareness of Cystic Fibrosis,” said Jenny.

“I went up to Honiton to show our support to Net with Amelia and her sister Rosie. Amelia thinks Net is amazing for doing it!”