A FORMER Chulmleigh College student is set to jump out of a plane for a charity close to her heart.

Seventeen-year-old Orla Fosbrooke, from Morchard Bishop, aims to raise £1,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

She chose the charity as her elder sister Emer and her friend Charlie both have ulcerative colitis.

The lifelong autoimmune condition is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the large intestine and bowel causing inflammation and ulcers, alongside other symptoms.

Crohn's and Colitis UK says at least 1 in every 227 people in the country has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis – that is, around 296,000 people.

The condition can develop at any age but is most often diagnosed in 15- to 25-year-olds, according to the NHS.

“I am aiming to raise a big £1,000 for the amazing charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK who are constantly working to support those with IBD and their families,” Ms Fosbrooke said.

“They provide support and information for patients and their families while striving to improve health care provided in hospitals across the UK.

“They also fund research into IBD’s causes and possible future treatments.

“I am skydiving for Emer and Charlie who are both too young to be facing a disease like this and who spend many days in pain, fatigued and hoping for a cure.

“I am doing this to raise money for all those suffering from IBD so Crohn’s and Colitis UK can continue to work for a brighter future for all IBD patients.”

Ms Fosbrooke has raised as much as £311 of her £1,000 target at the time of writing.

The skydive will take place on Saturday, July 19.

If you would like to contribute to her fundraiser, visit: justgiving.com/page/orla-fosbrooke-1747588770022.