A NORTH Yorkshire woman is to take a leap of faith to help the battle against a degenerative disease for which there is no known cure.

Jess Sinclair, 25, from Northallerton, is preparing to go skydiving at the Peterlee Parachute Centre on June 18 to raise cash for Parkinson’s UK

“Parkinson's UK is a charity close to my heart because my dad, Richard, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008,” she said.

She added: “I am really excited to do the skydive.

“It is a big challenge for me because I’m not the best with flying and heights generally but I know I am doing it for such a great cause. I also want to raise awareness of the condition.”

Jess aims to raise £1,000 for the charity, which helps with research and support, and to help her reach her target visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessSinclair

There are still places to join Jess and sign up for Skydive Durham. Registration costs £55 and the charity asks people to raise a minimum of £495 in sponsorship.

Everyone who signs up will receive a Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, a fundraising pack, sponsorship forms and fundraising support.

Full training will be provided on the day and skydivers will be connected to a qualified instructor who will control the parachute.

Visit parkinsons.org.uk/skydive-durham