A CHANCE meeting with football star Michael Owen helped Helmshore girl Lauren Bolton conquer a fear of heights – and boost her fundraising efforts.

Lauren’s dad, Paul, met the Man Utd striker outside Old Trafford after a match, and secured a £100 donation towards mental health charity Mind.

The 17-year-old Haslingden High School Year 12 student suffers from acrophobia – an irrational phobia of heights – but overcame it to jump out of an aircraft at 14,000ft.

The skydive, at the Black Knights Centre, in Lancaster, raised more than £1,000, double Lauren’s initial target.

Paul had taken his nephew, Mark Gleave, who suffers from cerebral palsy, to a game at Old Trafford, in October.

Mark’s condition caused him to stumble and fall outside the ground and by-passer Owen was on hand to help him regain his balance.

Although she found the experience terrifying, Lauren said it was worth it for the good cause.

She said: “I am petrified of heights. I can’t even look down from the top of an escalator. “The skydive was amazing.”