An Ottery woman has put aside her fear of heights to raise £1,800 for a national heart charity.

Sidmouth Herald: Charlotte Vincent, who was once scared of heights, prepares to jump out of a plane in memory of her best friend Paige Moth to raise money for CRY.Charlotte Vincent, who was once scared of heights, prepares to jump out of a plane in memory of her best friend Paige Moth to raise money for CRY. (Image: Archant)

Charlotte Vincent jumped 15,000 feet out of a plane last Wednesday in memory of her best friend Paige Moth, who died from sudden adult death syndrome at the age of 21.

The money will be donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and could fund 36 lifesaving heart screenings or purchase new equipment for the charity such as a defibrillator, blood pressure recorder or Holter monitor.

CRY works to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death, supports young people following diagnosis and offers bereavement support.

Charlotte said: “It’s amazing, it feels so good. Emma [Paige’s mum] and I are both really overwhelmed and thankful for everyone’s generosity and their support as well.

Sidmouth Herald: This is what Charlotte's money could be used towards based on figures from Cardiac Risk in the Young. (CRY).This is what Charlotte's money could be used towards based on figures from Cardiac Risk in the Young. (CRY). (Image: Archant)

“I was absolutely buzzing I just wanted to get on the plan. It was cancelled the week before and I was a little nervous so I had another week to prepare myself and I went

“It’s not just about raising money, its getting the charity more recognition.”

The 22-year-old met Paige when she moved to Ottery in 2000. The girls were born 13 days apart and attended Ottery Primary School and The King’s School together.

Paige’s mum Emma said: “When Charlotte said £1,000 was her target I thought she was being optimistic. She has smashed it out of the bag and almost doubled it which is absolutely incredible.

“I went to watch and support her and I was the one that was completely emotional. I suppose it’s because it is so close to Paige’s anniversary.”

Through its heart screenings CRY helped diagnose Paige’s sister Holly with long QT, a heart arrhythmia that is treatable by beta blockers.

Emma added: “£850 can purchase 10,000 CRY general information leaflet, Charlotte has helped so many people, its an amazing thing she has done.”

If you would like to donate to Charlotte’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Charlotte-Vincent2