A youth worker is gearing up for a skydive to raise money for an “amazing” charity that helped her growing up.

Laura Heard, of St Wilfrids Road, East Barnet, is one of 15 people chosen to jump for the Jack Petchey Foundation on July 29 to mark its 15th anniversary.

Each jumper had to raise £200 for a children’s charity to qualify, and Miss Heard chose the Barnet Carers Centre, based in Ballards Lane, North Finchley, where she works as a support and activities officer.

Miss Heard explained why she chose to raise money for the centre, where she has worked for two years supporting children who care for family members at home.

The 23-year-old said: “It is amazing, it allows the child to be a child again. When you are a young carer, you basically have to be an adult. The sole purpose is to give them respite from their care role at home.”

A former pupil at Ashmole Academy, in Cecil Road, Southgate, Miss Heard received support from the centre when she was growing up.

She said: “My mum was deaf and my younger sister had ADHD, and I needed to help with both of them. Then my nan got dementia, so I lived with her for five years from 13 until she passed away.

“I used to go to all the youth projects. It is like a real family vibe. It was really good for me, they supported me. As soon as my nan passed away and I left school, I started volunteering there. I now manage all the activities.”

The centre currently looks after more than 600 children aged five to 17, and is supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Miss Heard, who also works as a co-ordinator at the foundation, said: “It is really important. As a service we would not be able to run without its support.”

Speaking about the skydive, which will take place at Chatteris Airfield, in Cambridgeshire, she said: “I am fine. I did a practise one a couple of years ago, with a wind machine. I am not scared of heights, although free falling will be a bit scary. But overall I am optimistic. It will be a great experience."

“It has been hard fundraising because I work full time. I have reached my target, and I am now trying to get as much as I can.”

To sponsor Miss Heard, visit https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/laura-s-sky-dive-for-barnet-carers-centre