Taking the Leap for STARS Dorset – Tandem Sky Dive with Courage the Trauma Teddy!
Two brave Sexual Trauma & Recovery Service (STARS Dorset) team members, Hannah Thorneycroft, Community SEND Consent Engagement Worker, and Natasha Evans, Adult Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, are preparing to swap solid ground for the skies on Friday 5th September, taking on a thrilling 10,000ft tandem skydive at Salisbury Airfield.
Both first-time jumpers (and in Hannah’s case, also afraid of flying!), the daring duo are hoping to raise £1,000 to support STARS Dorset’s vital work with survivors of sexual trauma, funding counselling, workshops, and creative therapies.
But they won’t be leaping alone… Joining them will be two very special travelling companions – STARS Dorset’s first-ever skydiving trauma teddies. These knitted comfort bears are normally given to clients for emotional support during incredibly difficult times, often accompanying both children and adults to court. They’ve become an important part of the charity’s care, offering reassurance during moments of extreme stress.
One of the teddies was named Courage by readers of Dorset View Magazine – a fitting tribute to the bravery shown by survivors. The second bear, also ready for action in full skydiving gear and flying goggles, remains unnamed for now but will be making the jump alongside Courage, Hannah, and Natasha.
Hannah said:
“We’re both excited and a little nervous, but this is such a worthy cause. STARS Dorset is all about helping people through their most difficult moments – and if we can face our fears to raise funds and awareness, then it’s absolutely worth it. We’d be so grateful for any support, donations, or for people to share our story.”
Luke Graham, Editor of Dorset View, added:
“We received four STARS Dorset trauma teddies back in January 2024, and we invited readers to name them. It was wonderful to see our readers getting involved in such a creative and uplifting way; Mel from Wareham sent in the perfect name of ‘Courage’ for one of the smaller bears. Now, knowing that Courage will be making that daring jump alongside Hannah and Natasha makes the whole event even more special – and it’s all for such an important cause.”
To support Hannah, Natasha, Courage, and their skydiving sidekicks, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/sky-dive-for-stars-dorset