A PLUCKY student is planning to reach for the skies by doing a parachute jump to raise money for the homeless.

Sean Faloon, 20, came over to study at Blackburn College from Newry in Northern Ireland, and was amazed when he met Father Jim McCartney of St Anne's Church and found out his family are also from Newry.

Father McCartney is the director of THOMAS (Those on the Margins of a Society), an organisation based at St Anne's House in Blackburn which deals with homeless and marginalised people.

Sean decided to raise money after he was shocked by the extent of homelessness in Blackburn.

He was so impressed by the organisation's work that he immediately offered his services as a friend to clients at St Anne's House.

Sean later decided on a parachute jump to make money for the association, and fund-raising has got off to a flying start, thanks to a generous donation from College principal Sheena Ewing, on behalf of Blackburn College.

He is also holding a raffle at O'Neills Bar in Blackburn where he works as a barman. O'Neills have donated the prizes.

Sean came over from Northern Ireland last year with five other students, and is studying for an HND in leisure management.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Sean should contact the THOMAS organisation on 01254 59240.

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