A YORK woman is taking on a skydiving challenge in a bid to help people affected by domestic abuse.

Su Bailey, who works for domestic abuse charity IDAS, is taking part in a charity skydive on Friday (September 27) - after finding out about the event when she started work for the organisation.

Su has been involved in multiple fundraisers in the past including doing the York Marathon for Support Line, the London Marathon for St John’s Ambulance, and various fundraising activities over the years for the National Childbirth Trust - but has never attempted anything like skydiving before.

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After returning to the UK following a stint abroad, Su, 55, took on a role with IDAS (a charity providing support to people fleeing domestic abuse) in order to represent the charity’s goals of compassion, courage, inclusion, and inspiration.

It was through her role that she learnt about the skydive and was eager to take part.

She said: “Others have said it takes a lot of courage to do this, but any survivor will tell you it takes every ounce of courage to keep your head above water to get through each day. A 10 minute skydive for me feels comparatively straightforward!

“A skydive is something I have always wanted to do, and it signifies to me the element of freedom in my life that I have only recently been able to feel comfortable and excited about.

“I really enjoyed doing the assimilation skydive in Manchester and I am very much looking forward to do the actual skydive on September 27 - to be able to see the earth from the perspective of above is going to be incredible!

“I feel so honoured not only in my work to support IDAS but also to have this incredible opportunity to raise vital funds to help support other people in their time of need.”

A spokesperson for IDAS said: “We're so grateful to Su for taking on this ultimate challenge and fundraising for our charity. Every penny makes a difference, helping us to reach all the victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Yorkshire who urgently need our help. 

“We've recently partnered with local skydiving centre SkyDive GB to offer free skydives to our supporters, subject to raising a minimum fundraising amount, and we have other fundraising events taking place over the year. We'd love to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting us."

At the time of writing, Su has raised £444 of her £500 target for IDAS.

If you’re interested in donating, her JustGiving page can be found here.

Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) is the leading specialist domestic abuse service in the North, supporting anyone subject to domestic abuse across Yorkshire.

It also provides the accredited ISVA service in North Yorkshire, supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence. During 2023 the charity answered 30,000 helpline calls, supported more than 10,000 people in their local communities, and housed 250 individuals and families in emergency refuge accommodation. 

If you are worried that you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, you can call IDAS’ helpline on 03000 110 110 or email info@idas.org.uk