Ann's leap of faith raises hundreds of pounds for Alzeheimer's Society

Ann Woodward has taken part in numerous fundraising feats during her 28 years working with Argos in Pyramids Shopping Centre, and this was her latest leap of faith.

But the sky dive, which raised vital money for the Alzheimer’s Society, was Ann’s trickiest challenge yet.

The 53-year-old explained: “It was amazing but I had to try really hard not to be terrified. It was quite surreal in the end, and it happened so quickly.

“There were a few false starts because of the weather that was a bit up and down, and then suddenly we were off.

“The free fall bit went really quickly and it really takes your breath away. Then you feel like you’re shooting up when they pull the parachute but it goes a lot quieter.

“You can see for miles and I was just awestruck really.”

Ann, mother to teenage twins, has already raised over £3,000 for a range of good causes over the years as a way of showing her gratitude for the happy, healthy family she has.

She has taken part in numerous sponsored runs, bike rides and walks – including one through the Mersey Tunnel – and often in fancy dress.

Ann has abseiled down the police headquarters building, Canning Place, in Liverpool and in 2012 she shaved her head for the Teenage Cancer Trust, a cause that particularly resonated with her as a parent of teenagers herself.

She was first in line to put herself forward for the parachute jump, along with fellow colleagues from Argos, acknowledging that Alzheimer’s is a disease that can affect any one of us at any stage.

Ann said: "Between us we must have got about £2,000 which is great and it’s for a good cause.

"I wouldn't want to do it again though! One of the guys asked when we got down whether I’d got the bug now, but no, I don’t feel the need to go through that again!

"I've never slept so well as I did that night either.

"I think it must have been the nervous anticipation of it all and then the massive relief that it was done."