Bowness pub staff and punters take the plunge in memory of seven-month-old Charlie (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Bowness pub staff and punters take the plunge in memory of seven-month-old Charlie

2:10pm Saturday 10th November 2012 in News By Steven Bell, Senior Reporter

DAREDEVIL fundraisers leapt 14,000ft from the skies above South Lakeland in memory of a baby boy who died from meningitis.

Michelle Harcourt-Poole, Simon Clancy and Tarl Snowdon, all staff at the Angel Inn, Bowness, were joined by punters Adrian Faulkner and Michelle and Kylie Atherton.

They organised the tandem skydive, at Flookburgh Airfield, to remember seven-month-old Charlie - the son of Michelle and Kylie’s sister and partner - who died from the disease last year.

The plucky plungers reached speeds of nearly 150mph during a 45-second freefall from more than two-and-a-half miles above Earth - something Kylie described as an ‘adrenaline rush’.

And they have appealed for donations in recognition of their achievement to go to the Meningitis Trust - the UK charity which provides free support for people affected by the condition, while raising awareness of the disease and funding research into its long-term impact.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/Michelle-Harcourtpoole and click on donate.