A CLITHEROE pensioner has completed a life-long ambition by sky diving from 15,000ft to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Elaine Moon, 60, a former nurse at the Manor House Nursing home in Chatburn completed the highest sky dive possible and raised £1,560 in the process.

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The former nurse, who worked at the nursing home in Bridge Road took the plunge along with the proprietor, Janet Harrison, 58, from Clitheroe, Stephen Harrison, 29, a paramedic from Clitheroe, Kate Rawlings, 25, a teacher in Blackburn and Katie Harrison, 28, an occupational therapist.

The team received early morning training at the Black Knights Parachute Centre at Cockerham, near Lancaster.

Another former nurse, Janet Pearce, who worked at the home for more than 10 years was set to complete the challenge but doctors told her she could not take part in the jump.

The owner of the nursing home said that it was an experience she would never forget.

Mrs Harrison said: “We wanted to raise money for the society in an unusual way.

“We got together and thought sky diving would be a great thing to do, it’s always been something Elaine had wanted to try so we decided to do it.

“Elaine, like everyone else was very brave and it was such a relief to see everyone had landed safely as we all came down.

“It was sad that Janet could not get to take part, she had collected a lot of sponsorships and when she couldn’t do it my daughter Kate stepped in to keep it going.”

Around 100,000 people in the UK suffer with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which is a neurological condition which affects the central nervous system. Mrs Harrison said: “As we were going up in the plane everyone was fairly calm. The guys we were strapped too were singing songs to entertain us and keep us relaxed.

“You don’t have time to back out once you get over the edge, you’re actually looking down at the clouds you’re so high up.

“It was very cold and there’s a lot of buzzing as you free fall but it becomes quite calm and peaceful once the parachute opens.

“There was a lovely view and everyone landed on a field with a small bump.

“The money is important to the society and hopefully one day they will be able to find a cure and help prevent people getting it.”